How much water have you had to drink today?
For most people, the answer would be “not enough”
From everything we drink and swim in, to the ice that reduces swelling, water is all around us (and even in us), a matter of fact, it basically is us! Water makes up around two thirds of our bodies and influences every single process in our body — which probably explains why we feel a lot better when we drink enough of it.
Now you might be aware of the many “tips and tricks” that are out there on “how to avoid a bad back”, and “how to relieve the pain”… but have you ever heard of drinking more water to help with that? I get that it might sound “too simple” to make a difference, but dehydration really can be one of the major culprits of back pain and one of the reasons why it stays around for longer than it needs to.
Just like a car engine needs to keep lubricated to run properly — your body needs water for your joints, organs and muscles to function.
I know you already know that water affects every organ and cell in your body, but it also plays an enormous role in the health of your back and spine. Between each section of the spine (the vertebrae) lies a disc — which are mainly made up of water. During the day when we’re standing up, they slowly become dehydrated but then at night when laying down, they rehydrate themselves again (as long as there is ENOUGH water in the body). If there’s not enough water in your body, then this isn’t good news for your discs and eventually this lack of water can cause pain, swelling and even more problems further down the line.
Signs That You’re Not Drinking Enough Water
Well the most obvious is feeling thirsty or hungry, but here’s some not so obvious signs:
▪ Low energy throughout the day
▪ Dizziness
▪ Dry skin and lips
▪ Headaches
▪ Constipation
▪ Mood swings
▪ And… joint pain
One of the most reliable ways to tell is to check your urine — if it’s dark and not a light yellow color, drink more water ASAP!
We already know that water is great for our body, but after a few weeks of drinking more of it, what benefits can we expect to see?
Less pain in your back for one, you’ll feel ‘healthier’, your eyes may not feel as tired and you’ll feel more alert! Your muscles will also be properly hydrated and therefore, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of a muscular injury while exercising.
Additionally water can help you lose weight (if that’s something you’d like to achieve), your skin will look clearer and you’ll have a natural glow!
You’ll likely even find you don’t need to reach for the coffee 4 times a day because you feel much more alert.
How Can You Increase Your Water Intake?
1.) Drink a Glass of Water Right After Waking Up (Give it a try and after a week or two, it’ll be a new healthy habit and you’ll feel more energetic).
2.) Buy a Reusable Water Bottle (If you like your water cold, buy a bottle with a thermal layer that keeps it cold for up to 24 hours in any weather!)
3.) Switch It Up/Flavor It! Drink sparkling water, or add lemon, cucumber or other fruits to your water. Experiment with it and try to find something that suits you.
So there you have it! Did you have any idea that water played such a huge role in your joint health? Don’t let another day go by of not drinking enough water; now you have simple tips to help you drink more water each day!
Leave a comment on what helps you remember to stay hydrated! 😎
