No matter what time of year it is, hydration is important no matter what – especially during the hot Minnesota summers. As the temperatures continue to rise in the summer months and we spend more time in the heat, many of us tend to forget to drink enough water to maintain proper hydration levels. Dehydration can present itself with very little prior warning, especially for individuals that are extremely young or those who are quite a bit older. These are some of the symptoms to look out for in regards to dehydration for those of all ages.
Extreme thirst
Dark urine
Less frequent urination
Fatigue
Our bodies are made up of approximately 65% water. In order to function optimally, your body needs proper hydration because every cell is dependent on water. A lot of folks follow an old rule that an adult should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. However, each person is different – different sizes, different activity levels, different metabolic rates – among many other individual characteristics. Another suggestion is to stick to drinking half of your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink about 80 ounces of water each day. It is important to remember that things like coffee and alcohol are diuretics that can dehydrate the body, so keep that in mind if you consume either regularly. Water does so much for the body including:
Assisting the metabolism process
Carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells
Regulates body temperature
Lubricates the joints
Promotes cardiovascular health
Flushes body waste
Proper hydration is also crucial for maintaining the proper function and health of your spine. The discs located in the spine are made up almost entirely of water, but they do not absorb water like the rest of your body. These discs get their nutrition (water included) through a process known as imbibition. Imbibition occurs when there is proper motion between the joints around each disc. This type of motion creates an effect similar to a pump, and nutrients are then moved in and out of the disc, meaning that hydration is vital for nutrient delivery. Without proper hydration, the strength of the spinal discs, spine, and even overall health of the body is impacted. By making chiropractic care an integral part of your healthcare routine, subluxations can be removed and alignment is reestablished, which improves the imbibition process.
Regular chiropractic adjustments are a way to help your body better absorb water and stay healthy. If you feel as if you can benefit from chiropractic care, we urge you to make an appointment with us. Our Duluth Chiropractor Robert Torgrimson has over 30 years of professional chiropractic experience. You can contact Associated Chiropractic Physicians at (218) 728-3686, we look forward to helping you!