Body Fat Monitors

Air and water are the Big Two for human survival. We humans cannot live long without either. Now, most adults likely haven’t intentionally held their breath to see how long they could go without breathing (or in order to see if mom or dad would give in and give them what they wanted) since they were children. But, how often do we, adults, forgo the other necessity of life…drinking water? And, not just drinking water, but drinking enough water. In order for the human body to function optimally, it needs water (and plenty of it!) Every cell, tissue, organ and system in your body relies on the water you drink. Would it surprise you to know that your saliva, and the fluids surrounding your joints, are fundamentally water? So, in addition to causing dry mouth, dehydration often causes make your joints ache. Moreover, your temperature and metabolism, as well as your blood circulation, are regulated by water. And, there are still more wonders to drinking sufficient water, such as the improvement of nutrient absorption and toxin removal, as well as the reduction of heartburn, hypertension, exhaustion, headaches. Even back pain has been attributed to staying well-hydrated. As a Highland Chiropractor it is my practice to ask my patients with back pain and joint pain if they are drinking sufficient water on a daily basis, and I advise all of my patients to drink plenty of water on a daily basis.

I’m sure that you’re getting the picture at this point. Drinking enough water is fundamental for good health in all the areas mentioned above one day medical science may find even more. Now, most humans would not be silly enough to attempt to go through the day without breathing, yet too frequently many of us go through our day either not drinking water at all or not drinking enough. No matter what phsycial activity an individual may engage in, the human body must have adequate hydration. When it comes to functional challenges caused by dehydration, athletes (who should know better!) are markedly at risk. “Physiologically, the core body temperature of an athlete could be higher than it should have been if they were hydrated. Their heart rate will be higher, and they’re going to perceive that they’re working harder than they actually are,” says Researcher, Susan Yeargin, assistant professor of athletic training in Indiana State’s College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services.

People often ask how much water is sufficient. Chiropractors like me, your chiropractor in Highland, agree with most health care professionals in advising at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water daily for most of our patients. However, for our patients who are athletes, or for patients who carry around excess weight or exercise or work where it’s hot, we advise even more! So, how can you tell if you’re drinking “enough” water? It’s simple! The color of your urine will let you know. If you’re well-hydrated, your urine will be a light, pale yellow!