Why Do They Always Tell me to Drink More Water?!

If you get adjusted at our office, you know that the doctors and front desk staff are always talking about staying hydrated. But why is it so vital to your chiropractic experience to drink water? Here are a few reasons that may surprise you:

1) Your body is made up of about 70% water. If you aren't drinking enough, the vital organs cannot function properly, including your filtration organs (kidney, liver, bladder and digestive tract). If your body cannot filter out the toxins from your body properly, you will feel more lethargic, sluggish, and generally worn down. You may also notice you aren't sleeping as well, your skin has more blemishes, you feel constipated, and your hair and nails may be more dull.

2) Your muscles store different amounts of toxins. One of these toxins is called lactic acid. When you use your muscles, they store lactic acid (the toxin that makes you "sore" when you work out as well as what gives you "knots" or "trigger points" when you put repetitive stress on your body) and your body helps to eliminate it when flushed with water. If you don't drink enough, the lactic acid doesn't get eliminated properly and you may have a feeling of general achiness or soreness.

3) How much water are you really supposed to drink? Ideally, you should be drinking half of your body weight in water. For example, someone who weighs 150 lbs should drink 75 OUNCES of water per day. That may sound like a lot, but if you keep a big water cup with you throughout your day, you should be able to space out the water intake and not feel like your drowning!

Moral of the story: drink more water! Especially after your adjustment, to help flush out the toxins to let your body heal and repair itself. Find a method that works best for you! Trust me, your body will thank you!