Drink more water!
“Drink more water” is my answer to so many questions patients ask. I know, I’m a bit crazy when it comes to hydration, I’m always recommending it and always drinking water myself. I have a water bottle at the adjusting area, another bottle in my back office, a case of water in my car, and certainly water in my house. I don’t like to go places without water and if I have to, I buy water when I arrive where I’m going.
How much water is more water? Well, the average person should drink half their body weight in ounces of water a day. For a 150-pound person, that’s 75 ounces of water, or 6-7 bottles of water a day. And that’s a minimum. You drink more if you exercise a lot. You drink more if you are pregnant. You drink more if it’s hot outside. And you drink more if you weigh more than 150 pounds.
Why is water so important? Water is essential for life & our body function. From aiding in digestion to keeping your skin clear, there are so many benefits to drinking enough water. Water makes up about 60-70% of the human body, playing a key role in helping your body to function optimally. Water can boost energy levels, prevents headaches (or helps them go away), and detoxifies the body. Water helps to lubricates joints, it aids in digestion and helps transports nutrients to your cells. And it does so much more.
Did you know that one of the biggest causes of afternoon fatigue is dehydration? Yup. Instead of reaching for a tea or coffee or coke, why not drink water? When your body lacks water, your muscles can feel tired, and you may not be able to concentrate well. You get more tired, and afternoon naps are desired. Drinking water throughout the day helps prevent this, keeping your energy levels stable.
Water can also help keep your skin moisturized. It helps flush out toxins and waste from your body. It aids in the digestive process, it prevents constipation.
So often after adjustments, I tell people to drink more water. It helps flush out toxins and may prevent soreness. For many people, dehydration is a common cause of headaches and migraines. Drinking enough water can help prevent headaches by ensuring your body has the fluids it needs to function properly.
Ways you can stay hydrated is to always carry water with you. I have a re-usable, BPA free water in the office. I have a similar water bottle filter that I carry when I travel, so I can fill it up and have fresh water all the time. Set a reminder on your phone to drink water every hour. Sure, it will cause you to go the bathroom more, but getting up and moving is good! If you don’t like the taste of water, add fresh fruit or mint, or even electrolytes for added taste (Hammer Fizz and Tiiaga are some of my favorites). Make hydration a priority—your body will thank you!
