Providing chronic pain support is an important part of my services and education for you. I will be publishing a comprehensive series that addresses three of the tools that may ease chronic pain: drinking water, adequate and restful sleep, and deep love.
As we have discussed elsewhere, many of us suffer from chronic pain. For example, arthritis can cause stiffness and pain in the joints. Pain can result from various inflammatory conditions, post surgery, etc. Research tells us that the intensity of the pain can be reduced or modified in various non-pharmaceutical ways.
Pain is modified by taming the unpleasant feelings and thoughts associated with the pain. Some ways to accomplish this include a mindfulness practice, guided relaxation, healthy eating, gentle exercise, massage and yoga to name just a few. In addition, simple small life style changes can also help. Now I will discuss the first of three tools:
– increasing your intake of water
– healthy sleep habits
– the practice of love and gratitude.
WHY YOU WANT TO DRINK WATER
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Balance: Water is your body’s main chemical component and makes up 60 per cent of your body weight. You need water to survive. Water is needed to balance the functioning of every cell, tissue and organ in your body. For example, water is needed to lubricate and cushion your joints and protect sensitive skin. Water is needed for digestion, absorption, circulation, transportation of nutrients and maintaining your temperature.
- Water may control calories: Drinking a glass of water before a meal can contribute to portion size control. It can substitute for high calorie beverages.
- Water helps to energize muscles: Muscle fatigue results when cells do not maintain their balance of fluids. With exercise, sweating increases the need for water.
- Water helps your skin look good: Dehydration can makes your skin look dry and wrinkled, which may be improved by proper hydration.
- Water helps your kidneys: Your kidneys’ job is to cleanse and rid your body of toxins. Adequate water is needed for the kidneys to function properly. Water also maintains bowel function.
HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD YOU DRINK A DAY?
Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is the usual advice and is a reasonable goal. However it may not hold true for all people. It depends on various factors such as your gender, activity level, health and where you live. Some people can be healthy by drinking less. Keep in mind, however, that even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you feel tired. (reference: Mayo Clinic, webmd.com).
Before you reach for the Advil next time, first try drinking a nice tall glass of pure water.
Here is a PDF tip sheet that you can print out, giving ideas on ways to increase your water intake:
How to increase your water intake – Peace Mountain Yoga
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