We all know that staying hydrated is essential for overall health, but did you know that it plays a crucial role in supporting your nervous system? As chiropractors, we often emphasise the importance of maintaining a well-functioning nervous system, since it controls every function in your body. However, one aspect that is often overlooked in this conversation is hydration. Without adequate water intake, the nervous system—along with the rest of your body—cannot function at its best.
In this article, we’ll explore the connection between hydration and your nervous system, and why staying properly hydrated is especially important if you’re seeking chiropractic care for optimal health.
Your nervous system is your body’s command centre. It includes your brain, spinal cord, and a network of nerves that send and receive signals to and from every part of your body. This system controls everything from muscle movement to organ function, sensory perception, and even how your body responds to stress or injury.
For this system to work effectively, it needs proper hydration. Water is involved in nearly every bodily function, including the transmission of electrical impulses through the nervous system. When you’re dehydrated, these signals can become less efficient, leading to a wide range of health issues—from brain fog and fatigue to muscle spasms and more severe conditions.
Water is essential for the maintenance of cellular function, and that includes the cells in your nervous system. Here’s how dehydration affects different aspects of nervous system health:
Water is vital for the creation and flow of electrical signals between nerves. These signals, known as nerve impulses, are responsible for sending information between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body. Dehydration can slow down the transmission of these signals, which may result in slower reaction times, muscle weakness, and impaired cognitive function.
When you’re dehydrated, your body goes into a state of stress. The lack of fluid forces your body to work harder to maintain essential functions, placing additional stress on your nervous system. This can lead to an increase in cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which can further exacerbate tension, anxiety, and muscle tightness—all of which may contribute to spinal misalignment or exacerbate existing issues.
Proper hydration helps to keep your muscles and tissues lubricated, which is essential for preventing tension and pain. Dehydration can cause muscles to become tense and tight, which can lead to pain, including headaches, neck stiffness, and back pain. Tight muscles, in turn, put more pressure on your spine and nervous system, potentially leading to misalignments and nerve compression. These issues often require chiropractic care to restore balance and relieve pain.
The brain and spinal cord are cushioned and protected by cerebrospinal fluid, which is made up largely of water. This fluid acts as a shock absorber for the central nervous system, protecting it from damage and helping to deliver nutrients. Dehydration can reduce the amount of cerebrospinal fluid, making the nervous system more vulnerable to injury and reducing its ability to function efficiently. This is why proper hydration is critical for spinal health and overall well-being.
When your body is properly hydrated, it allows the nervous system to function more efficiently, improving the effectiveness of your chiropractic care. Chiropractors focus on spinal alignment to optimise nervous system function, and hydration supports this process in several ways:
So, how much water should you be drinking to support your nervous system and overall health? A general recommendation is about 8-10 glasses (or around 2 litres) per day for most adults, but individual needs vary based on factors like activity level, body size, and climate.
You should aim to drink water consistently throughout the day. If you’re engaging in physical activity or receiving chiropractic adjustments, consider increasing your intake to ensure your body has enough hydration to support the healing and recovery process.
It’s easy to overlook the signs of dehydration, but your body gives you several clues when it’s not getting enough water. Look out for:
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s a sign that your body—and your nervous system—need more water.
Your nervous system controls every function in your body, and proper hydration is key to keeping it running smoothly. By staying hydrated, you help your body transmit nerve signals more effectively, reduce stress and inflammation, and enhance the benefits of chiropractic care. If you’re already receiving chiropractic adjustments to optimise your spinal health, drinking enough water is a simple yet powerful way to support your recovery and overall well-being.
Remember, your body is constantly working to maintain balance, heal itself, and function at its best. Chiropractic care and proper hydration work hand-in-hand to support this process, helping you feel better and live healthier.