Stay Hydrated During the Summer Months and After Your Chiropractic Adjustment

Expert Contributor

The role water plays in eliminating toxins from your body

by Dr. Heather Sefried, DC, of The Joint Chiropractic - Newtown Square

Not getting enough water in the heat of the summer can do more than just make you thirsty. You need to drink enough water to nourish your entire body, including your spine. If you do experience back pain, a chiropractic adjustment and proper hydration can help!

When your chiropractor performs an adjustment, your body is put into proper alignment, which reduces the stress and tension in your spine. Once this happens, the toxins that have been building up are finally able to be released. Drinking water after the adjustment will help eliminate these toxins from your body more quickly. Drinking lots of water after your adjustment will also nourish the discs between the vertebrae, keeping your spine healthy and flexible.

Dehydration is an abnormal condition in which the body’s cells are deprived of an adequate amount of water. One of the main contributing factors of a person becoming dehydrated is heat. Dehydration symptoms include confusion, muscle weakness, and fatigue. There are many things you can do to stay hydrated, including:

1. Drink plenty of water

If you are not a fan of water, try adding a lemon, orange or a cucumber for flavor. Make it a habit to carry water with you during the summer months.

2. Avoid Alcohol Excess

Alcohol consumption can cause dehydration in a variety of ways. Alcohol decreases the body’s production of antidiuretic hormone, which is used by the body to reabsorb water. With less antidiuretic hormone available, your body loses more fluid than normal through increased urination.

3. Eat a Good Variety of Foods & Don’t Eliminate Carbs

Eliminating carbs might be good on your scale but its not good for your levels of hydration. Carbohydrates are stored in your body along with fluids. That’s why you drop a couple pounds of water weight when you eliminate carbs. Also, carbs are contained in foods such as pasta, oatmeal and rice, which all soak up water during the cooking process. Eliminating them will also reduce your fluid intake.

4. Avoid Filling Your Belly with Caffeinated Beverages

There’s no study that says drinking caffeinated beverages as part of a normal lifestyle causes dehydration, but it does have a mild diuretic effect. If you drink such beverages, you tend to drink less water. So, instead of grabbing a soda, caramel mocha or tea, grab some water.

If you want to maintain the benefits of your chiropractic adjustments, you will put down that soda, or you will skip the iced latte, and instead will pick up a bottle of water, the magical elixir of life.

Dr. Heather Sefried, DC

The Joint Chiropractic - Newtown Square

(267) 678-BACK | (267) 678-2225

RELIEF IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.

Licensed chiropractors at The Joint help provide pain relief and preventative care, to keep your body moving all summer long.

Open Evenings & Weekends. No appointment needed. No insurance needed.

New Patient Special: $29

Includes Consultation, Exam and Adjustment. Offer valued at $39. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)’ name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary.

3520 West Chester Pike. Newtown Square

www.TheJoint.com