When asked what they think of the south in the summer, most will say, “It’s HOT!” Boy, is that the truth! One of the most important things you can do to combat the heat is to stay hydrated.  Summer is almost here, drinking water should be one of your top priorities, not only in the Summer, but every day!

Why?

Our muscles are made up of 70% water and our bodies are made up of 60% water. Drinking water keeps your organs and muscles healthy. Water also aids in the digestive process by carrying nutrients to cells and carrying toxins away. Drinking water has many purposes but one of the most important is keeping your body functioning well.

When?

Really, when wouldn’t you want to drink water? You may have had a massage in the past and your massage therapist told you, “Drink lots of water today.” This helps flush out toxins that are released from the muscular work the therapist did. The same thing goes for when you get a chiropractic adjustment. By drinking a glass of water following an adjustment, you can help your body heal faster and stay healthier. The same basic principle applies when you exercise. Staying hydrated while you are exerting energy will help you increase your endurance, thereby helping you to burn more calories.

How Much?

Most people have heard that they should drink 8 to 12 glasses of water per day. While this is a good standard, another way to know how much water to drink daily is to take your weight in pounds and divide it by two. Then, drink that amount of water in ounces daily. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink approximately 75 ounces of water per day. If you are exercising or a more active person, you should increase your water intake accordingly.

Have a hard time with "just water" or need more flavor?  Try adding fruit or veggies to your water!  A fresh squeeze of lemon, cucumber or orange slices, mint sprig or fresh berries in your water will help liven things up!

If you have questions about how much water to drink or how to increase your water intake, talk to our chiropractors at Chiropractic Partners. Call any one of our 11 locations today to schedule an appointment – and don’t forget to drink a glass of water after your adjustment! www.chiropartners.com