A gentle reminder: during these hot summer days, your body requires more water. Your organs and skin need fluids to function, and so do your muscles.
Sometimes in the summer chiropractic patients mention that they have increased discomfort after a spinal adjustment. Often, the answer is simple: they are not drinking enough water, and their muscles are not reacting to the adjustment as much as they are the lack of essential fluids. After increasing the amount of water they drink slightly, they feel better.
How do you know if you’re dehydrated? Most experts say, “If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.” The best policy is to drink a little water, whether you think you need it or not.
Here are some hydration guidelines:
15 minutes before your scheduled chiropractic appointment, drink 2 to 3 cups of water. Do the same 15 minutes after your adjustment.
Before you exercise in hot weather, drink 4 cups of water, and take at least one bottle with you. After your workout, drink at least 2 more cups as you cool down.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, drink 1 cup of water every 15 minutes for an hour. More if your symptoms feel more serious. If you feel extremely bad, call your doctor or your local emergency room. They will advise you on your next step toward rehydration.
The most common symptoms of dehydration:
- Increased thirst
- muscle pain, stiffness, or swelling
- Dry mouth and swollen tongue
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Dry cough
- Palpitations (feeling that the heart is jumping or pounding)
- Confusion
- Sluggishness fainting
- Fainting
- Inability to sweat
- Decreased urine output
- Change in color of urine
To avoid the symptoms, and the consequences of dehydration, pour youself a cup of cool water, and drink up.
Dean
Dean Ferber, Doctor of Chiropractic
Byron Family Chiropractic, 501 NW Frontage Rd, Byron MN
5 miles from Rochester!
To follow us, click on the icons. . .
