Most of us only tend to think about our hydration needs when we are incredibly thirsty. Some people simply do not even like the taste of water, so the last thing on their minds is to guzzle a big cup of the necessary fluid. Personally, I drink huge amounts of water. I just cannot seem to get enough of it. I work out frequently and am always on the go, so I can rarely be found without my trusty water bottle by my side. When I need to add a bit of punch to it, I throw in some lemon, lime, or orange slices.
A great amount of research has been done on water and how important it is to our health and vitality. There are massive amounts of articles that speak to the hydration needs of runners, athletes, military personnel and other specialized areas, but what about the daily water needs for an average adult? Interestingly enough, studies have shown how a lack of water in one’s body can contribute to back pain, as well as other aches and pains.
I frequently refer to my 105-year-old grandmother in these articles, but for good reason. One of her philosophies in life is to make sure that she consumes enough water each day. She has always advised me, even to this day, of the importance of drinking water regularly. She will take a sip of cold, refreshing water and smile, “Ah…that’s so good…and good for you, too!” Then she will wink at me. I have never heard her complain of back aches or of any other bodily pain, except for the fact that I have proven to be a pain in her hindquarters on occasion over the years. Adequate water intake on her part never proved to be helpful to her in that regard!
In a study conducted by James Lehman, DC, professor of orthopedics and neurology at the University of Bridgeport, College of Chiropractic, he recommends that his patients who live a sedentary lifestyle and who are not residing in extreme temperature (anything over 85 degrees Fahrenheit), should consume 40-50 percent of their body weight in ounces of water. Thus, for someone weighing 150 pounds, 60-75 ounces of water per day is necessary. The sources of water should include both food and beverages, so if one is eating a balanced diet, at least 20 percent of his or her water needs are sufficiently met that way. Be advised that soda, coffee, alcohol, and black teas are not considered to be prime sources of water due to their diuretic effects.
Outdoor activities, such as gardening, can contribute to those acute episodes of back pain. Usually, any water needs are ignored by the individual. A seasonal gardener is actually more active than usual and is also exposed to the effects of the outdoors, necessitating a need for more water consumption. The irony, however, is that many individuals who are chronically dehydrated are not operating with a normal thirst mechanism. As the gardening activity increases, so does the body’s need for water. When one’s cells are not given the right amount of water, they can react in painful ways. The back muscles can spasm, leading to a painful distorted posture.
Dr. Lehman strongly suggests that if you want to avoid those painful back spasms, you should consume more water. Do this before, during, and after any gardening chores or any form of physical exertion. It has frequently been noted that if you wait until you feel thirsty, you have waited too long. Keep a steady stream of water in your diet and that may help to alleviate that nagging back pain that can be both very painful and expensive. Isn’t it amazing how something so simple can produce such wonderful benefits? Water certainly can be a prescription for a pain-free life. Just ask Grandma. (Maybe she should consider selling her own brand of bottled water, bottled at the source: her kitchen sink! Hey! It’s worked for her all of these years!)
(Information for this article was found at http://nutrition.about.com/od/hydrationwater/a/back_pain_water_2.htm)