Everyone knows about the importance of hydration for overall
health, but they may not think about water consumption after chiropractic care.
Joint lubrication, inflammation control, and toxin removal help to make
alignments more effective and this relies on proper hydration. The right amount
of fluid is a simple way to feel better and boost chiropractic treatments.
Know the Dangers
Connective tissue like the tendons and ligaments protect the
nerves, muscles, and bones from injury. Dehydrated connective tissues are weak
and cannot perform the tasks needed and injuries can occur easily at this
point. The injury leads to inflammation, which is just fluid that accumulates
around the injured body part to protect it and heal the damage.
The body can become even more dehydrated and at risk when it
pulls fluid from other areas to the injured spot, which can happen when a
series of different injuries occur in a short span of time. Inflammation is
also often why some joints may begin to hurt in other parts of the body when
one joint injury takes place.
The lubricant in the joints that keeps them comfortable is
mostly water. The water flushes out toxins as a fresh supply of fluid enters
the joint. Dehydration forces the body to divert water to the brain and other
organs. The joints lose fluid because they are less important for immediate
survival, and this means toxins can accumulate and the joints have less
cushion.
Understand the Causes
Most people know that their body uses a certain amount of
fluid (about 10
cups) each day just to function. Activity, hot weather, and alcoholic
beverages and caffeine can increase fluid loss. Other risk factors, like stress
and anxiety, are less known. Stress causes the body to produce more hormones
and this uses fluid. It is why people often suffer from dry mouth after a
scare.
Medication can lead to dehydration. Read product labels
carefully and follow the instructions when it says to drink water with the
medication. Low carb diets like ketogenic diets also lead to fluid loss. The
diets act as a diuretic as they help people to burn off calories.
Watch for Signs
The start of dehydration is often the feeling of thirst.
Fewer trips to the bathroom or less urine output than usual signal the body
does not have enough fluid. Urine that is darker than a pale yellow is a clear
warning to increase water consumption.
More severe signs include a sensation of dizziness, fatigue,
and headaches. Dehydration can make people feel confused, anxious, or
lightheaded. As the dehydration worsens the individual can feel nauseated, have
body pain, or experience muscle cramps. Continued dehydration at this point can
lead to kidney damage, shock, and seizures and can become life-threatening.
Learn to Hydrate
Water is always best and there are effortless ways to
increase consumption. Drink a glass of water each morning before any tea or
coffee. Drink water with meals or have a glass before each meal. Make
fruit-infused water and keep a bottle at hand all day for sipping.
People that dislike water can add more fruit to their diet.
Watermelon, strawberries, and peaches have a lot of water. Excellent vegetable
choices include lettuce and cucumber. Eat low-sodium soups, drink skim milk, or
make popsicles at home from water and blended fruit.
You do not need to drink an excessive amount of water after
a chiropractic appointment. The best solution is to learn how to stay hydrated
and to do so all the time. Consider an injury or joint pain as a sign to pay
more attention to how much you consume. At Corner Chiropractic Center, we
can help you to learn more about how to care for your body. Contact us today.
