By Debbie Wyer on 03 February 2025
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, but did you know that our bodies are made up of 60% water? Hydration affects every organ and cell in your body - your brain, skin, spine, fascia all need water to function well.
Why Hydration Matters
· Cell Function: Dehydration inhibits cells from absorbing nutrients and vital fluids, and hampers waste elimination.
· Joint and Spine Support: Water lubricates and cushions joints and the spine.
· Mood and Energy: Inadequate hydration can affect your mood, causing fatigue and anxiety.
· Digestion: Drinking water before, during, and after meals aids digestion.
· Bladder Health: For those with urinary incontinence, avoiding fluids can reduce bladder capacity and worsen symptoms.
· Skin Hydration: Water keeps your skin looking and feeling hydrated.
· Exercise Performance: Hydration enhances strength, power, and overall performance.
· Hunger Management: Often, feelings of hunger are actually signs of thirst. Try drinking water before reaching for a snack.
Your Fascia & Why Hydration Matters
· Connective Tissue: When connective tissue is dehydrated, joints compress, muscles lose proper timing, and chronic pain can arise. It can also lead to sagging skin, wrinkles, and cellulite.
· Fascia’s Flexibility: Fascia, a renewable tissue, is made up of nearly 70-80% water. When well-hydrated, it’s flexible, glideable, and resilient.
· Fascia Health: Dehydration can tighten and inflame fascia, leading to fatigue or headaches.
Think of your superficial fascia and loose connective tissue like a sponge. A hydrated sponge is supple and adaptable, quickly returning to its original shape after compression or twisting. In contrast, a dried-out sponge becomes stiff, loses its shape, and doesn’t absorb water easily. This highlights why both hydration and movement are vital to your body’s integrity.
The Role of Movement
Movement enhances fluid flow, which keeps fascia vibrant. However, repetitive or prolonged pressure, such as sitting for hours, can have the opposite effect by dehydrating tissues. For instance, extended sitting compresses your glutes and spine, leaving you stiff when you get up.
To maintain supple and vibrant connective tissue:
1. Sip water consistently: Small, frequent sips are better than drinking large amounts infrequently.
2. Eat hydrating foods: Cucumbers (96% water), tomatoes (95%), and spinach (93%) are excellent choices.
3. Stimulate connective tissue: Methods like the MELT Method can help stimulate your fascia and lymphatic system, improving fluid flow.
Tips for Enjoying Water
If plain water isn’t appealing, make it more tempting:
· Add fresh herbs like mint or slices of lemon and lime.
· Keep a chilled jug of infused water in the fridge.
· Experiment with herbal teas such as chamomile or mint.
· Try different flavor combinations to find what you love.
Hydration isn’t just about drinking water; it’s about fueling your body to feel its best. Remember, little and often is the key to staying hydrated and vibrant!