Holistic Health - Is Dehydration Making Your Back Hurt?

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Summer is upon us … sweltering heat, sweat and fatigue. 
Did you know dehydration can cause back pain and degeneration?

Water is an essential part of our lives, and this indispensable element is a wonderful natural therapist that can cure many ailments. Our body is typically 60 percent water, and every system in our body depends on water to function. One of the biggest health secrets is the value of drinking water, and drinking enough water every day. Water is truly everywhere, and as a result most people take it for granted.  

Water is important in maintaining a healthy body, and one of its benefits includes helping us better cope with the distress and pain of a sore back.

Anatomy 101
The discs in our spine consist of a hard external surface and a fluid-filled interior. Provided the quantity of the water is maintained at an adequate level, the discs perform their function well. This means they are strong enough to help our backbones support our body’s weight.

Because they’re flexible, discs can respond to varying pressure exerted on them when we move by shifting their shape. When they do this, water in our body is sucked inside the discs. As long as there is enough water available, our discs stay healthy because they are well-hydrated.

The problem begins when we don’t drink enough water to replenish our bodies’ fluid. When the discs shift, there is not enough water around them to be sucked inside.

The result is devastating. The internal fluids are gradually depleted, and the discs’ outer shell is no longer supported. Without this support, our poor discs are helpless, as the whole weight of the body is shifted on them. Pain and swelling ensues, putting us in distress and agony.

Preventing Back Pain
Pain-relieving medications and other therapies are just temporary remedies, but water is an excellent healer because it has no side effects.

Although adequate water intake will not reverse signs of aging such as degeneration in the spine, you can help prevent further degeneration and aging by staying hydrated.  

It’s generally not a good idea to use thirst alone as a guide for when to drink. By the time you become thirsty, it is possible to already be slightly dehydrated. As you get older, your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain thirst signals. Excessive thirst and increased urination can be signs of a more serious medical condition. Talk to your doctor if you experience either.

Staying Properly Hydrated
A simple formula to calculate how much water your body needs is:

Your body weight divided by two equals the number of ounces of water your body needs daily. 

If you are not drinking the minimum your body needs, be sure to increase your water intake in small increments. (This formula may vary with some medical conditions and lifestyles. Talk to your doctor regarding your fluid intake.)
Prevent dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, and make water your beverage of choice. 
Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings. 
Remember that tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages and sodas do not count as drinking water.

Are You Dehydrated?
It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of dehydration. They include:

• Posted in Expert Advice
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• Keywords: holistic, health, pari, limbachia, shant, wellness, apopka, florida, chiropractic, accupuncture
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