As it is now summer which means increased heat, humidity, and more time spent outdoors it is important to stay hydrated!
A cause for pain and poor health is dehydration. The majority of us today do not drink the needed amount of my water we should. In order for our cells to stay healthy the toxins released from them need to be excreted and nutrients need to be brought to them.
This happens through the extracellular matrix. This is the area between muscles, organs, cells, and throughout connective tissue.
When we do not drink enough water the Fluid matrix which is 70% water cannot replenish causing restrictions and toxins to build resulting in pain, decreased mobility, and illness.
Some signs you may be dehydrated:
You are thirsty-if you wait to get a drink until you are thirsty you are already slightly dehydrated
You have dry skin
You have dark colored urine
You are frequently tired
Your mouth is dry
You urinate infrequently
You have low blood pressure
You have muscle cramping
You have constipation
You have headaches
Dehydration can also increase injury risk as the fluid matrix serves as a cushion or spring between cells and tissues.
Stay hydrated!! Ideally you should be drinking half of your body weight in ounces of water. For example if you weigh 180 pounds You should be drinking 90 ounces of water a day!
In addition to drinking plenty of water it is also important for you to have the proper electrolytes in your system. Electrolytes are sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium. They need to be balanced in order for our bodies to maintain healthy blood, heart rhythm, muscle function, nerve conduction, and hydration. When they are imbalanced, especially sodium, you can become dehydrated even if you are drinking enough water. If you are someone who tends to sweat a lot then you likely need electrolyte supplements more frequently. You also don’t want to drink too much water because that can dilute the electrolytes causing issues as well. In my research, I didn’t find a definitive amount of electrolytes needed each day. The best way to determine if you have an imbalance is by listening to your body. If you have some of the following symptoms you may want to assess your electrolyte levels. An MD can check this by completing a blood or urine test to check levels. However, they change frequently depending on exercise, water intake, and consumption of foods and drinks containing electrolytes.
Some electrolyte imbalance symptoms are:
-Confusion,irritability, anxiety
-diarrhea and constipation
-fatigue
-headaches
-irregular/fast heartbeat
-muscle cramps/spasms/weakness
-nausea and vomiting
-tingling in limbs, fingers and toes.
In addition to consuming enough water and electrolytes is is important that you release restricted fascia. In order for the water and electrolytes you drink to reach the cells, the facial tissue cannot be restricted. When it is tight the fluid matrix is in a sense shut out and the nutrients cannot reach the cells and toxins cannot be released. This causes pain and dysfunction.
So do yourself a favor and get treated with myofascial release, continue with self myofascial release, drink plenty of water and balance your electrolytes!
You’ll be glad you did
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