Let's dive in.
Do you ever just sit around and think about water?
Probably not. But that’s the kind of thing that occupies my brain. This should make you grateful that you’re my patient and not my wife.
As a chiropractor in Atlanta, I constantly see patients who complain of chronic back, neck and/or shoulder pain. I also see my fair share of spasms and tight or sore muscles. And would you like to know what 30 percent of those people have in common?
They’re dehydrated.
Old news?
Okay, I know this is probably new to you – at least the dehydrated part. And I’m not going to lecture you about how soda, coffee, and sugary beverages are so horrible for you. And that those night time cramps and restless legs could be because you don’t have enough water in your system to release the vitamins and minerals from the food you’re eating.
What I am going to tell you is that by constantly consuming those beverages, you could be affecting your healthcare costs to the tune of thousands of dollars.
Yes, that water can help with the pain that you’re coming to see me for. It also helps with weight loss, skin health, and kidney function. And giving up all of the sugar and sodium you might be drinking could be what prevents you from getting diabetes.
That not only improves your health, it contributes to your bottom line.
You lose water just by breathing.
If you’re wondering where all of that water goes, here are some details from ShapeFit.com:
The human body, which is made up of between 55 and 75 percent water (lean people have more water in their bodies because muscle holds more water than fat), is in need of constant water replenishment.
Your lungs expel between two and four cups of water each day through normal breathing - even more on a cold day. If your feet sweat, there goes another cup of water. If you make half a dozen trips to the bathroom during the day, that's six cups of water. If you perspire, you expel about two cups of water (which doesn't include exercise-induced perspiration).
A person would have to lose 10 percent of her body weight in fluids to be considered dehydrated, but as little as two percent can affect athletic performance, cause tiredness and dull critical thinking abilities. Adequate water consumption can help lessen the chance of kidney stones, keep joints lubricated, prevent and lessen the severity of colds and flu and help prevent constipation.
What can you do?
Staying hydrated is actually relatively simple. Here are some tips to get you started:
Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.
Take water breaks instead of coffee or tea breaks.
Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.
How do you know if it’s working?
If you notice that your urine is clear and slightly yellow, congratulations! You are adequately hydrated.
Just keep in mind that if you are exercising or in extremely hot temperatures you will lose more water in your perspiration. Drinking 2 cups before intense exercise and periodically taking in more while you exercise is important.
Dr. Bobby Curtis, DC is a chiropractor who serves the Atlanta, Georgia area.
At The Wellness Studio, Dr. Curtis ensures quality care through both his chiropractic practice and weight loss services. Call (678)-825-4448 today for your complimentary consultation. It’s the first step towards a healthy, pain-free you!
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