Don’t Let the Heat Get You Down
Every summer I have a number of patients complain of dehydration-type symptoms.
A lot of you probably realize you need to drink more water in the summer when it starts getting really hot.
But did you know that drinking water can dehydrate you even more?
Now, let me be clear this does NOT mean to stop drinking water. But if you are sweating you are losing minerals—you can taste the salt in your sweat, right? Well you don't just lose salt, you lose potassium and a number of other minerals — and when you drink water without replacing these minerals you lose them even faster. I often realize this has happened because my throat starts to burn and water will not relieve it.
Here are some of the symptoms of dehydration (although I do not recommend waiting for the onset of symptoms):
- increased thirst
- dry mouth and swollen tongue
- weakness, dizziness
- palpitations (feeling that the heart is jumping or pounding)
- confusion
- sluggish, even fainting
- inability to sweat
- decreased urine output: urine color may indicate dehydration. If urine is concentrated and deeply yellow or amber, you may be dehydrated.
- headaches, even migraines
- low blood pressure
- nausea
- water retention resulting in swollen ankles, fingers, etc - that's right, replacing minerals could make your clothes fit better!
So how do you handle this mineral loss? Mineral supplements! We stock a good supply of these and you will feel better within 30 - 60 minutes.
Eating healthy, unrefined foods such as fresh vegetables and salads also help replace minerals.
Well, here’s another factor to take into account: the incorrect pH balance in your body could result in a situation where your body is not absorbing water but simply passing it through. Think of a dry sponge and a running faucet. If the sponge is bone dry the water simply drops straight through without the sponge absorbing any water. This can happen to your body when it has the incorrect pH balance (too acidic or too alkaline). One way to tell if this is happening is if you urinate too frequently.
This can be caused by poor water quality, incorrect diet or other factors. So if you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned come in for your chiropractic adjustments and we can discuss supplement options to correct mineral loss and pH balance in your body.
