Inspired by the recent increase in temperature, we will discuss one of the most important lifestyle habits… proper hydration. When air temperature rises, the body's innate response is to cool itself. The body reduces its internal temperature through perspiration (sweat). Sweating cools off the skin and helps to keep the body's temperature where it belongs, at roughly between 98-99 degrees (dependent on your body type). This cooling process is one of the reasons why it is extremely important to drink water at regularly during hot, smoldering days. If the body perspires too much and water is not replaced, the body will begin to dehydrate. Initial signs of dehydration may include joint and muscle pain, muscle cramping, backaches, headaches and constipation. In addition, the odor of urine will become stronger and the color will also become more yellow, or amber. If dehydration is sudden and acute, it is called a heat stroke. Heat stroke is very dangerous and will cause the body to shut down. If heat stroke is not caught immediately, death may occur. Signs of heat stroke include cold and clammy skin, incoherent speech and, often times, unconsciousness. The body is uniquely made up of 60-70% water, with most of the water contained in the blood. Your muscles, lungs and brain also contain a significant amount of water. While the body loses water during perspiration, it also loses water through urination and breathing. Naturally, active people use more of the body's water supply than sedentary people. Caffeine and alcohol (also known as diuretics) consumption also reduce the body's water supply and can contribute to dehydration. Water consumption is also extremely important in helping chiropractors to correct spinal dysfunction in their patients. Many patients with neurological symptoms and chronic muscle aches and pains will not hold their adjustment if they are chronically dehydrated. Furthermore, dehydration can prevent the body from healing properly. So how much is the right amount of water to drink daily? In "normal" temperatures, the average person needs to drink frequent glasses of water regularly throughout the day. Some experts believe you can estimate the amount of water your body needs each day by taking the total pounds of your bodyweight and dividing that number in half. The divided number would be the number of ounces of water you need to drink per day. For example, if a person weighs 160 lbs, he or she should drink 80 ounces of water each day (A serving-size cup of water holds 8 ounces; a pint glass holds 16 ounces). In addition, if you consume coffee or carbonated beverages (or any pro-diuretic beverage) you would need to consume the same fluid ounce amount of water per fluid ounce of coffee, etc. At any rate, drinking water is one of the most important things a person can do to be healthy. In the heat of a hot summer day, it not only quenches your thirst, it can save your life!
