As with depression, dehydration rarely causes anxiety as a cause by itself, but not drinking adequate water puts you at risk for increased anxiety symptoms now, and possibly the development of higher anxiety levels in the future.
Another large study found people who drink five cups or more of water per day were at lower risk of depression and anxiety. In comparison, drinking less than two cups per day doubles the risk. This link was less noticeable for anxiety alone (although feelings of depression and anxiety often influence each other).
This is because water triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's 'rest and digest' response. In this state, your heart rate and blood pressure lowers, your digestion is stimulated and your body is able to relax.
Dehydration leads to reductions in brain volume and changes in neural activity in brain areas involved in fluid homeostasis,15 but little is known about the factors responsible for the alteration in cognition.
The bottom line is that regular use of cold water immersion triggers the Vagus nerve, the largest component of the parasympathetic nervous system. This results in a relaxation response, resetting of the abdominal organs to a resting state, and feelings of well-being.
Sensory grounding with ice or cold water
3 ways water can calm a panic attack: Hold an ice cube in your hand and focus on the sensation. Place a cold, wet washcloth on the back of your neck. Dunk your head into a bowl of ice water.
More recently, researchers found water with electrolytes may prevent anxiety more than plain water, but it was noted that the placebo effect may explain this connection as study participants were aware when they were given the electrolyte drink.
Electrolytes help prevent dehydration and are vital for easing stress symptoms. Magnesium reduces people's fear response, stress, and anxiety.
Dehydration rarely causes anxiety on its own, but if you're not drinking enough water you may be putting yourself at risk for worse anxiety symptoms now, and the development of greater anxiety in the future. Thus, especially if you are prone to anxiety, you will want to work to ensure you are properly hydrated daily.
Dehydration, on the other hand, has its own suite of detriments; including memory lapses, poor mental clarity, increased anxiety, and, of course, brain fog.
Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down processes in your brain and central nervous system, and can initially make you feel less inhibited. In the short-term, you might feel more relaxed - but these effects wear off quickly. In fact, if you're experiencing anxiety, drinking alcohol could be making things worse.
For some, the ritual of a cup of tea has a calming effect. Certain herbs -- lavender and chamomile, for example -- may help, too, along with the antioxidants in the tea leaves themselves. Just make sure you don't get too much caffeine. Many teas have that, too.
Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour. That makes them very effective when taken during a panic attack or another overwhelming anxiety episode.
Thirst may not seem like something related to your anxiety, but it's something that many anxiety sufferers deal with regularly. There is often this feeling of needing to drink a glass of water or two during and after anxiety attacks, and some people feel as though they need to drink more water each and every day.
More intense manifestations of anxiety can include extreme and persistent fear in the face of everyday situations. And having that intense form of anxiety for prolonged periods of time is considered an anxiety attack, a condition which can last anywhere from several minutes to weeks on end.
Lower risk of anxiety and depression:
A study conducted in 2018 demonstrated that people who drank less water had a higher risk of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, individuals who drank a sufficient amount of water daily were more likely to be mentally healthy and happy.
You'll feel less hungry and may even lose weight. You'll probably experience more comfortable digestion (less heartburn). Bowel movements might be easier and more regular. Your teeth and gums will be healthier and more resilient.