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Why Staying Hydrated Is Crucial for Your Well-being

Why Staying Hydrated Is Crucial for Your Well-being

Can individuals maintain proper hydration levels in their bodies to prevent spinal pain and other musculoskeletal conditions?

Introduction

When making small changes to better their health and wellness, many understand that eating nutritional foods, exercising, and finding ways to reduce the pain and stress that environmental factors have affected the body. However, there is also another crucial component to a person’s health and wellness, and that is staying hydrated. Many individuals sometimes don’t realize that the human body contains about 60% of the water, which helps every vital organ, muscle, tissue, and vertebra in the body to function. However, many individuals who do not consume enough water due to a stressful event, exercising, or just wanting to drink sugary drinks will feel pain and discomfort in their bodies. This can range from mild headaches to back pain. Today’s article focuses on what spinal pain correlates with the back, why staying hydrated can reduce spinal pain and ways to stay hydrated. We talk with certified associated medical providers who inform our patients to maintain proper hydration to reduce the chances of spinal pain affecting their bodies. While asking their associated medical provider intricate questions, we advise patients to incorporate daily hydration levels as part of their routine to reduce the chances of spinal pain from returning. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.

 

Spinal Pain Is Correlated With The Back

Do you feel constant aches or pains after a stressful day? Do you feel like chugging gallons of water but still feel thirsty? Or have you been noticing that you have been dealing with limited mobility that has been causing you pain and discomfort in your lower back? These pain-like scenarios are multifactorial and can correlate with spinal pain affecting the back. Now, many people wonder why spinal pain is associated with back pain. The spine is crucial in allowing the individual to be upright and move around during daily activities. The spinal vertebrae discs are between the bones, which would enable shock absorption when a person twists, bends, or flexes so the bones don’t rub together. However, when the body ages, the spine does, too, which causes the intervertebral disc to gradually fall and change the dynamics of the affected spine segments. (Kos et al., 2019) To that point, when the intervertebral disc becomes compressed due to degeneration, it can lead to the development of back pain.

 

 

Since low back pain is a multifactorial musculoskeletal condition, many individuals often develop low back pain from numerous environmental risk factors like physical labor, excessive sitting or standing, poor dieting, and physical inactivity, which can cause individuals to have a loss of sensation, reduced reflexes, limited range of movements and tenderness can affect a person’s gait and posture. (Kabeer et al., 2023) When the spinal discs are being compressed, the water inside the disc becomes dehydrated and is linked to lower back pain. (Cheung et al., 2023) When the spinal discs are dehydrated in the spine due to improper hydration, it can lead to immobility, cause the disc to degenerate, and cause spinal structural defects that cause the surrounding muscles and tissues to have biomechanical instability and inflammation. (Hauser et al., 2022) When the body starts dehydrating, it retrieves water from the spine and other parts to sustain life and keep the vital organs functioning.

 


Eating Right To Feel Better- Video


Why Staying Hydrated Can Reduce Spinal Pain

 

Proper hydration is key to reducing the chances of spinal pain. By staying hydrated with plain, pure water, individuals can stay focused, remove toxins from the body, aid in weight reduction, and reduce muscle and low back pain. (Nsiah-Asamoah & Buxton, 2021) Drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day can rehydrate the body and prevent future issues that can cause pain. Proper hydration allows the body to maintain cell activity and regulate body temperature, reducing the chances of pain affecting the body.

 

Ways to Stay Hydrated

There are ways to stay hydrated and allow the body to have proper hydration levels. Incorporating hydrating fruits and vegetables can help aid in proper hydration as these fruits and vegetables contain about 90% water and the essential nutrients. Additionally, when individuals try to get their hydration levels back up, they are encouraged to drink more fluids as they prefer, especially if they feel unwell. This is to ensure that the body is hydrated enough so that individuals can receive subcutaneous or intravenous fluid supplements combined with regular fluid intake. (Li et al., 2023) Another way many individuals can stay hydrated is to combine non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care and spinal decompression to help realign and lengthen the spine to reduce unwanted pressure on the spinal discs and rehydrate them. The combination of non-surgical treatments and drinking plenty of hydrating fluids can help many individuals dealing with back pain associated with the spine as they start to make small changes to their routine and can live a life pain-free.

 


References

Cheung, S. T. Y., Cheung, P. W. H., & Cheung, J. P. Y. (2023). Why Are Some Intervertebral Discs More Prone to Degeneration?: Insights Into Isolated Thoracic “Dysgeneration”. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 48(12), E177-E187. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0000000000004632

Hauser, R. A., Matias, D., Woznica, D., Rawlings, B., & Woldin, B. A. (2022). Lumbar instability as an etiology of low back pain and its treatment by prolotherapy: A review. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil, 35(4), 701-712. https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-210097

Kabeer, A. S., Osmani, H. T., Patel, J., Robinson, P., & Ahmed, N. (2023). The adult with low back pain: causes, diagnosis, imaging features and management. Br J Hosp Med (Lond), 84(10), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2023.0063

Kos, N., Gradisnik, L., & Velnar, T. (2019). A Brief Review of the Degenerative Intervertebral Disc Disease. Med Arch, 73(6), 421-424. https://doi.org/10.5455/medarh.2019.73.421-424

Li, S., Xiao, X., & Zhang, X. (2023). Hydration Status in Older Adults: Current Knowledge and Future Challenges. Nutrients, 15(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112609

Nsiah-Asamoah, C. N. A., & Buxton, D. N. B. (2021). Hydration and water intake practices of commercial long-distance drivers in Ghana: what do they know and why does it matter? Heliyon, 7(3), e06512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06512

Disclaimer

Hydrating Foods, Intense Heat, Health

Hydrating Foods, Intense Heat, Health

Medical experts advise that maintaining body hydration is one of the most important things to do in extreme heat. Individuals out in the heat lose electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride and need added electrolytes to prevent cramping and excessive sweating that can strain the body. Dehydration can be dangerous, leading to heat exhaustion and possible heat stroke. If gulping water all day seems like a lot, remember that not all hydration must come from drinking water; there are hydrating foods that contain enough water that can be incorporated.

Hydrating Foods, Intense Heat, Body Health

H2O

The body needs H20 to:

  • Deliver nutrients to the cells
  • Regulate body temperature
  • Prevent infection
  • Lubricate the joints
  • Maintain organ function
  • Help with mood
  • Help with Sleep
  • Help with Cognition

Electrolytes

Sweating is vital for maintaining body temperature, and electrolytes are essential in maintaining the body’s homeostasis. Electrolytes help coordinate muscle contractions, heart function, and the conductivity of electric signals transmitting to and from the nervous system. The kidneys regulate fluid absorption and excretion to maintain electrolyte balance, but an imbalance can occur when electrolyte levels spike or drop. An electrolyte imbalance is caused by a change in the number of electrolytes in the body. Sodium, potassium, and calcium are the common elements most likely to be affected by an electrolyte imbalance. Other reasons why electrolyte levels can change include:

  • Unhealthy diet
  • Medications
  • Kidney problems

It is recommended that instead of focusing on how many glasses of water have been drunk, concentrate on two biomarkers:

  • How often do you urinate?
  • What color is the urine?

When the body is thoroughly hydrated, an individual should go to the bathroom every two to three hours, and the urine should be a pale yellow. If it looks orange, it indicates that the body is trying to conserve water and needs further hydration.

Hydrating Foods

Consulting a doctor or nutritionist is recommended to help determine what foods are safe for the individual if there are underlying conditions or other health concerns. Here are a few hydrating foods that contain at least 80 percent water that can be eaten throughout the hot day to maintain body hydration.

Apples

  • Best known for their fiber content  (up to 5 grams), they are also more than 80 percent water.
  • A quick crunchy snack with potassium, vitamin B6, C, and magnesium.

Watermelon

  • These can be up to 92 percent water.
  • Contain vitamin A, B6, and C, plus lycopene and antioxidants.
  • Watermelon can be cubed by itself or with feta cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil for a sweet-savory salad.

Peaches

  • These can contain up to 88 percent water, fiber, protein, and vitamin C.
  • Peaches can be added to salsas or incorporated into a salad.

Carrots

  • Carrots are around 90 percent water.
  • Rich in beta carotene, which the body uses to make vitamin A.
  • Vitamin A helps the eyes convert light into a signal sent to the brain, allowing for better sight in dim to dark light.
  • Vitamin K
  • Potassium
  • Fiber

Cucumbers

  • Cucumbers have more than 96 percent water.
  • They also contain potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and some calcium.
  • They contain nutrients known as cucurbitacins, which can have an anti-diabetic effect.
  • Fisetin is an anti-inflammatory substance that helps brain health.

Potatoes

  • The waxy variety contains more water, as much as 80 percent.
  • They contain potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and minerals.
  • Have them baked or roasted with skins to keep as much potassium as possible.

Tomatoes

  • Tomatoes are almost 95 percent water.
  • They contain cancer-fighting carotenoid lycopene, vitamin A and C, and potassium.
  • Sliced onto sandwiches, sauteed into pasta, or blended into a gazpacho.

Cantaloupe

  • 90 percent water.
  • Contains beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin C.
  • It can be eaten by itself, chopped into salads or smoothies.

Plain yogurt

  • One cup of plain yogurt is around 88 percent water.
  • It contains protein, gut probiotics, calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
  • Top with some berries for extra hydration.

These are a few hydrating foods that can help with the intense heat. Others include zucchini, iceberg lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, celery, broccoli, and cauliflower. Healthy H2O levels benefits include:

  • Decreased appetite.
  • Improved physical performance during exercise.
  • Increased energy levels.
  • Optimal brain function.

What Are The Most Hydrating Foods?


References

Bergeron, Michael F. “Hydration and thermal strain during tennis in the heat.” British journal of sports medicine vol. 48 Suppl 1, Suppl 1 (2014): i12-7. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2013-093256

Gauer, Robert, and Bryce K Meyers. “Heat-Related Illnesses.” American family physician vol. 99,8 (2019): 482-489.

Karppanen, H et al. “Why and how to implement sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium changes in food items and diets?.” Journal of human hypertension vol. 19 Suppl 3 (2005): S10-9. doi:10.1038/sj.jhh.1001955

Schiefermeier-Mach, Natalia, et al. “Electrolyte Intake and Major Food Sources of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium among a Population in Western Austria.” Nutrients vol. 12,7 1956. 30 Jun. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12071956

Strimbu, Kyle, and Jorge A Tavel. “What are biomarkers?.” Current opinion in HIV and AIDS vol. 5,6 (2010): 463-6. doi:10.1097/COH.0b013e32833ed177

Staying Hydrated And Healthy El Paso, Texas

Staying Hydrated And Healthy El Paso, Texas

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there concerning hydration.

  1. How much do you need to drink?
  2. What should you drink?
  3. When should you drink?

It can be a bit much.

But staying hydrated is not that hard to do. A little knowledge and some helpful tips are all you need to ensure that your body always has the fluids it needs to stay healthy and fully functional.

What to Know About Hydration

The Importance

Your body is composed of around 60% water. Adequate hydration is necessary for your body to function properly. Water makes it possible for your body to maintain its temperature, to process waste products and for your joints to remain lubricated. When you do not consume enough water, your body becomes dehydrated, which can cause a host of different health problems if left unaddressed.

How much water do we need?

When asked how much water a person should drink, most people instinctively respond, �Eight glasses a day.� But the truth is that each person is different, and how much water you need may vary from how much someone else needs. You also re-hydrate from drinking other fluids besides water, something that you can take into account when calculating your fluid intake.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the average man needs 15.5 cups of fluid per day, while the average woman needs 11.5 cups of fluid a day. Note the term �fluid�. Water is ideal for hydration, but other fluids also contribute to your overall level of hydration. Of course, those other fluids may also contain sugars, sweeteners, caffeine and other extras that you should limit for better overall health. Limiting your fluid intake to mostly pure water is the best way to avoid potentially harmful extras.

Symptoms of dehydration

Dehydration can be dangerous, especially if left unaddressed. Mild dehydration can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and a lessening of sweat and urine output. As dehydration gets worse, so do the symptoms. It can cause kidney failure, brain swelling, and seizures.

When you notice early signs of dehydration, there is a simple solution � drink some water or other fluids. As long as you are not too dehydrated, fluid intake should be enough to reverse your symptoms.

If you’re thirsty drink water

Feeling thirsty is a sign your body gives you to consume more fluids, and you should listen to your body. You can avoid any risk of dehydration by regularly sipping water. But if you aren�t sipping water and you do get thirsty, don�t worry too much. An initial feeling of thirst does not mean you are seriously dehydrated. It just means your body is ready for more fluids and is a natural indicator telling you to consume more water.

Stay Hydrated El Paso, Texas Injury Medical Chiropractic Wellness Clinic

Tips to Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is not difficult if you adopt a few healthy habits, including:

Use a reusable water bottle

A stainless steel or glass water bottle is perfect for carrying your own fresh water supply around with you. Plastic is also an option, but stainless steel and glass tend to impart less flavor to your water and will not leach any unwanted chemicals into it.

With your own water source, you can drink whenever you feel even a little thirsty � guaranteeing that you will never become dehydrated.

Go with healthier fluids

Purified water is your best hydration source. Although you can drink other fluids, your body will thank you if most of its hydration needs are met through consuming water. Remember staying hydrated and stay healthy!

Health Support

As your chiropractic team, we are committed to keeping you healthy. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to meet with a qualified chiropractor for a comprehensive health evaluation.

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