PT Personal Trainers

THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER IN THE SPINE

Our body is made up of almost 85% water when we are born, 70% when we are adults and less than 60% when we get older.

The discs between the vertebrae of our spine are made up of about 80% water. The function they perform is cushioning and spacing between the vertebrae. If they are not well hydrated, their health will be compromised and spinal mobility will be affected.

Each time we move, these disks are compressed and, similar to what happens with a sponge filled with water when it is compressed, the liquids come out of the disks. When we don't hydrate properly, our body can't return the necessary water to the discs and the functioning of the spine is compromised. In general, when you are dehydrated, your body starts directing water to your vital organs. As long as we don't drink enough water, the deficit will continue, which can cause more pain and immobility.

 As such, and according to the Harvard Health Letter, we should never drink less than 1l to 1.5l of water a day.

 

Good training!

Text by Diogo Lopes