Listen to Your Doctor and Drink More Water!

By Donna Kostiew

There is no denying how important and vital drinking water is to our overall health. Water can be found in every cell, every organ, every muscle … so when you don’t drink enough of it, your body’s health can be seriously compromised and may not be able to function as it should. Dehydration isn’t as simple as being thirsty. It can cause serious consequences to many areas of your body.

Back Pain

Between every vertebra in your spine, there is a disc which functions as a shock absorber and allows us to bend, twist, and move around without our bones rubbing together. This disk has two parts: an outer ring which is tough, yet flexible, and the center which is primarily made of water. As you move throughout the day, the discs are compressed (gravity) and the water is slowly squeezed out. Staying properly hydrated will help your body rehydrate those discs while you are at rest during the night.

Brain Function

Our brains depend on proper hydration to have optimal function. Drinking water improves concentration, increases blood flow and oxygen to that area, balances our moods and emotions, maintains memory function, and helps to prevent headaches.

Weight Management

Drinking water helps to maintain a healthy weight by acting as an appetite suppressant. How many times have you heard you should drink water instead of grabbing snacks when you are hungry, or you should drink a glass of water before every meal? It has also been shown to increase your metabolism, prevent fluid retention, and aid digestion.

Skin Appearance

Water helps to keep your body moisturized, hydrates your cells, and increases the elasticity of your skin. Drinking the recommended amount of water also replenishes skin tissue, flushes out any impurities, and improves circulation. The benefit of staying hydrated for your skin is that you will have a healthy glow and quite possibly, a more youthful appearance.

Overall Health

Water is vital for your body to function at its optimum level and has been shown to be a major contributor to good health. By drinking the recommended amount each day, a number of illnesses and other health problems can be prevented, including: arthritis, insomnia, cold/flu viruses, muscle fatigue, acne, stress, skin disorders … the list can go on and on simply because water affects every part of our bodies.

So are you interested in increasing your daily water intake yet? If it is something that is hard for you to manage, consider adding fruit to your pitcher, replacing those soft drinks from the drive-through with a bottle of water instead, or starting your morning off with a glass of water before you reach for your coffee cup. It’s easier than you think.

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tampa, Fla.