Archive for the ‘health’ Category
Highland Chiropractor Discusses The Importance Of Hydration
Air and water are the Big Two for human survival. We humans cannot live long without either. Now, most adults probably haven’t tried to hold their breath to see how long they could go without breathing (or in order to see if mom or dad would give in and give them what they wanted) since they were children. But, how often do we, adults, forgo the other necessity of life…drinking water? And, not just drinking water, but drinking enough water. Water is absolutely essential for the human body to function optimally. Every cell, tissue, organ and system in your body relies on the water you drink. Would it surprise you to know that your saliva, and the fluids around your joints, are fundamentally water? It’s true, and in addition to causing dry mouth, dehydration can actually make your joints ache. Furthermore, water regulates the temperature and metabolism of your body and keeps your blood circulating. And, there are many more wonderful reasons to drink sufficient water, such as the improvement of nutrient absorption and toxin removal, and the reduction of heartburn, hypertension, exhaustion, headaches. Even back pain has been attributed to staying well-hydrated. As a Highland Chiropractor I make it a point to ask my patients with back pain and joint pain if they are drinking sufficient water each day, and I advise all of my patients to drink plenty of water on a daily basis.
I’m sure that you’re getting the picture at this point. Drinking enough water is essential for optimum health in all the ways mentioned above and, most likely, in ways that medical science has yet to discover. Now, most humans would not be silly enough to try to go through the day without breathing, yet all too often a large majority of people go through their day either not drinking water at all or not drinking enough. Every human body requires adequate hydration no matter what physical activity someone may engage in throughout the day. Athletes (who should know better!) are markedly at risk when it comes to functional challenges caused by dehydration. Researcher, Susan Yeargin, assistant professor of athletic training in Indiana State’s College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services, said of athletes,”Physiologically, their core body temperature could be higher than it should have been if they were hydrated. Their heart rate will be higher, and they’re going to perceive that they’re working harder than they actually are.”
Wondering how much water is enough water? Chiropractors like me, your Highland chiropractor, agree with most health care professionals in advising at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water daily for most of our patients. However, we advise even more for our patients who are athletes, or for patients who carry around excess weight or exercise or work where it’s hot. So, what is the key in determining if you’re drinking “enough” water? It’s simple! The color of your urine will let you know. If you’re well-hydrated, your urine will be a light, pale yellow!