If you get adjusted at our office, you know that the doctors and staff are always talking about staying hydrated. But why is it so vital to your chiropractic experience to drink water?
Health junkie or not, everyone knows how important it is to drink water. The human body is made up of over 70% water, and if you aren’t properly hydrated, your body will feel the negative effects of dehydration. If you aren't drinking enough, the vital organs cannot function properly, including your filtration organs (kidney, liver, bladder and digestive tract). If your body cannot filter out the toxins from your body properly, you will feel more lethargic, sluggish, and generally worn down. You may also notice you aren't sleeping as well, your skin has more blemishes, you feel constipated, and your hair and nails may be more dull.
WHAT DOES DEHYDRATION HAVE TO DO WITH MY BACK PAIN?
Dehydration and back pain are linked by the small discs in your spine. Those jelly-like discs are almost 75% water! In fact, you could be up to a 1/2 an inch shorter by the end of the day due to water slowly being released from your spinal discs. When you are asleep, your discs are re-hydrated, and you back to your full height when you wake up. Your discs will try to stay hydrated throughout the day, but it can be challenging when you are mostly upright. To keep your discs hydrated, be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
If you don’t stay hydrated, the discs throughout your spine cannot properly protect and support your spine. The jelly-like discs are located between every two vertebrae and their job is to absorb the shock from everyday movements while protecting your spine form wear and tear. When they can’t function as they should due to dehydration, additional stress is put on the spine which can cause pain and swelling.
TOP 10 SIGNS ON HOW TO TELL IF YOU ARE DEHYDRATED:
- Headaches
- Dry skin
- Dark urine
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Anger
- Bad Breath
- Fever
- Dry Eyes/Blurry Vision
- Dizziness
You know how important it is to stay hydrated, but you also know it isn’t always so easy. Make a goal for yourself to consume at least a 1/2 ounce of water per pound that you weight. So, if you weigh 140 pounds, try to consume 70 ounces of water throughout the day. The health of your spine depends on it!
TIPS ON HOW TO STAY HYDRATED:
-Keep water on hand throughout the day
-Consume electrolytes when exercising or spending long periods of time outdoors
-Add fresh fruit or herbs to your water to make it more appealing
-Load up on fresh raw fruits and vegetables
-Monitor your urine
-Buy a reusable water bottle with a design you enjoy so you will want to carry your water bottle with you and you can feel good about a positive environmental contribution
-Set a timer or download an app to keep track of you water intake
Moral of the story: drink more water! Especially after your adjustment, to help flush out the toxins to let your body heal and repair itself. Find a method that works best for you! Trust me, your body will thank you! If you think dehydration may be the source of your back pain and you want to hear from Bettendorf Chiropractic Wellness Center, call 563-359-5600 to contact us!
