Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Medical Center Psychiatry Specialist Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver pointed out the importance of adequate water consumption, especially in summer.
Do not neglect water for brain health

"Take care to stay hydrated for your brain health, especially in the hot summer months," said Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver and said that drinking water is very important for the whole body, especially the brain.

Dehydration affects the elderly and children the most

Stating that with the warming of the weather, body water is lost especially through sweat, Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver said, "For example, the cause of many headaches is simply thirst. Especially children and the elderly may not feel thirst. For this reason, heat strokes and thirst-related problems can be seen more frequently in children and the elderly. In the elderly, thirst can increase urea in the blood and cause confusion and behavioral problems."

Check urine color

Stating that darkening of urine color indicates the body's need for water if thirst is not felt, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver advised those who do not like to drink water to sweeten their water with mint, lemon or cinnamon.

Dehydration may reveal side effects of medications

Noting that a decrease in the amount of water in the body causes side effects of medications, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver said, "The majority of psychiatric drugs are broken down in the liver and are processed very little in the kidneys. For this reason, there is no need to drink a lot of water, especially to increase the filtering function of the kidneys. However, a decrease in the amount of water in the body may increase the level of the drugs in the blood and cause the side effects of the drugs to occur."

The amount of water should be increased when consuming medication

Emphasizing that excess water consumption is important in psychiatric drug use, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver continued his words as follows "Drugs can also increase sweating, and since there will be a decrease in sodium chloride, those who use psychiatric drugs should drink 2-3 glasses more water than they usually drink, or drink water with a light urine color.

Caution when taking antidepressants

Emphasizing that the elderly should pay attention to the sodium-reducing effect of antidepressants, Ünsalver said, "Especially in those who are both elderly, taking antidepressants and eating a salt-free diet due to hypertension, the loss may be higher. In patients with bipolar affective disorder, elevated urea may cause a tendency to manic symptoms, so they should pay attention to their fluid intake and not consume red meat and legumes with high protein content."

Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver also stated that they definitely recommend kefir with probiotic effect to their patients, "Because kefir positively affects the rate of beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Psychiatric drugs reduce bacteria, so both fluid deficiency and sodium deficiency can be closed with probiotic balancing drinks."

Alcohol consumption increases fluid loss

Stating that alcohol consumption, which increases with the summer holidays, can also increase fluid loss, Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver said, "Although alcohol consumption has many damages to our brain, the effect of increasing water loss in the brain appears even more quickly. The reason for the morning headache after drinking alcohol is dehydration of the brain. Especially in case of alcohol intake, take care to complete your fluid deficiency," she warned.

Avoid excessive water consumption

Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver said, "It should not be forgotten that drinking too much water can lower sodium." For this reason, not only water, but also buttermilk, kefir with probiotic effect, cold soups, herbal teas and juicy fruits should be taken care to meet the water need.