Archive for November, 2010
Air and water are the Big Two for human survival. We humans cannot live long without either. Now, most adults likely 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. In order for the human body to function optimally, it needs water (and plenty of it!) 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 creating dry mouth, dehydration can actually make your joints ache. Moreover, your temperature and metabolism, as well as your blood circulation, are moderated by water. And, there are many more wonderful reasons to drink sufficient water, such as the improvement of nutrient absorption and toxin removal, as well as the reduction of heartburn, hypertension, exhaustion, headaches. Even back pain has been attributed to staying well-hydrated. As a Highland Chiropractor I always 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.
When it comes to staying well-hydrated, “water on the brain” is a very good thing! Drinking enough water is essential for good health in all the ways described above one day researchers may find even more. Now, most humans would not be silly enough to try to go through the day without breathing, yet too frequently a large majority of people go through their day either not drinking water at all or not drinking a sufficient amount. Every human body must have good hydration no matter what physical activity an individual may engage in throughout the day. When it comes to functional challenges caused by dehydration, athletes (who should know better!) are particularly at risk. 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.”
People often ask how much water is sufficient. Chiropractors like me, your chiropractor in Highland, agree with most health care professionals in advising at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water daily for the majority of our patients. However, for our patients who are athletes, or for patients who carry around excess weight or exercise or work where it’s hot, we advise even more! So, what is the key in determining if you’re drinking “enough” water? It’s surprisingly easy! The answer is in the color of your urine. If you’re well-hydrated, your urine will be a light, pale yellow!