Staying Hydrated During the Summer Months

by Expert Contributor Heather Sefried, D.C., Owner 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 Excess Alcohol

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.

Expert Contributor Heather Sefried, D.C., Owner of The Joint Chiropractic - Newtown Square

THE JOINT CHIROPRACTIC - Newtown Square

3520 West Chester Pike

267-214-3322

FREE Initial Visit* for Newtown Square Residents

*Free chiropractic visit requires proof of Newtown Square residency. Initial visit includes Consultation, Exam & Adjustment. Offer valued at single visit rate. Present offer at time of redemption at the location listed only. No cash value, not valid towards past purchase. 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.