the REN DAO Wellness Center Blog

As an acupuncturist a common question I ask patients is how much water they consume and whether or not they feel thirsty. Within Chinese Medicine, these questions help me determine if conditions of heat or cold, moisture or dryness are present. These and other questions help me assess my patient’s health. I also take in consideration our modern lifestyle and habits. More often than not, diet, water intake and environment greatly influence the out come of my diagnostic questioning.

Typical complaints or symptoms a patient may present with including; constipation, fatigue, chronic muscle aches and body pain, headache, brain-fog, weight-gain, arthritis, sinusitis, asthma, heartburn, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, can be effectively treated with Chinese Medicine. These symptoms may also be attributed to chronic dehydration. In those cases, increasing ones water intake may prove to be very effective.

Daily the body loses water to sweat, moisture in the breath, urine and stool production as well as other incidental losses. Additional losses can come from excess dietary salt intake, medications, physical activity, climate controlled environments, stress, etc. This water loss should be replaced daily. Not surprisingly, many people live with varying levels of chronic dehydration.

The body has a very sophisticated water management system and will attempt to compensate for changes in its water stores. If there is too much, it is released as urine. If there is too little water, the body produces the sensation of thirst and reduces the amounts excreted (mainly urine). With decreasing water stores, water is moved into areas of greatest need and reduced in others. For example, more water can be absorbed from the large intestines leaving the stool hard and difficult to pass. Reduced water content within the muscle and joints resulting in muscle ache and joint pain. Over time chronic dehydration can progress into more serious conditions.

The primary way the body signals its need for water is thirst. Other signals include feelings of dis-ease and pain. For numerous reasons many do not respond adequately to these signals. Complicating the mix, when we do attempt to re-hydrate, we consume fluids in the form of sugary beverages, caffeinated drinks, alcoholic beverages and fluids high in salts. These drinks can further increase water losses. Others may attempt to satisfy thirst with food leading to weight increases. Plain water is generally the best way to hydrate the body. Drinking at least half your weight in ounces is a good start. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables high in water content is advised.

Many health concerns and symptoms may be attributed to or made worst by dehydration. As always, drink plenty of water and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. When needed, always seek the advice of a competent health care provider.

Michael Kelly, L. Ac.