Most modern-day parents blame every medical condition on a lack of proper hydration. If you have your mom running behind you with a glass of water every time you get a pimple, then a piece of my humble advice to you would be, "Drink it for your mom's sake".

"Water, water, everywhere water". Water is what makes up the earth and makes you. Approximately 60% of you is water (yes! this is a staggering amount). To keep yourself fit, healthy, and running, you need to keep your organs hydrated because two/third of your body is water.

Why You Need To Keep Yourself Hydrated

Your cells require water for optimal performance. The hypothalamus in your brain is designed to regulate your body's water levels so that you don't dry out. It is because of the hypothalamus that we don't wilt.

But drinking copious amounts of water can have multiple beneficial effects on your body. Some of these positive impacts include:

Keeps Joints Fit And Active

Different types of joints are connected via cartilage. Synovial joints are found in stress-bearing areas and are filled with synovial fluid. This fluid allows for smooth, frictionless movement of joints.

Staying hydrated helps you maintain optimal synovial fluid amounts and thus normal working of the joint.

Thus, drinking sufficient amounts (91 ounces/day for women, 125 ounces/day for men) of water stimulates synovial fluid production and reduces inflammation around joints.

Improves Skin Health

Just like other cells, your skin also needs water. You can maintain healthy, glowing skin free of pimples and dryness only by drinking adequate water quantities.

Flushes Out Toxins And Has Anti-Oxidative Effect

Anti-oxidation is one of the most evident effects of hydration. Fluid replacement therapies reduce the oxidative stress of the body, a study suggests. Thus, staying hydrated flushes out the toxins.

Keeps The Stress Levels Down

In today's fast and tense lives, it is essential to consider your mental health. The link may seem to be an exaggeration, but adequate hydration helps keep stress and anxiety at bay, and people who drink more water are less likely to get depression than those who don't.

Helps Maintain Body Temperature

Sweating is a thermoregulatory process. You sweat to neutralize (bring down) the raised levels of temperature. Sweat formation relies on your water intake. The more the water intake, the more you can sweat.

Harms Of Dehydration

The inability to maintain the normal fluid levels of the body leads to a condition known as dehydration. It can be caused by underlying medical conditions such as vomiting and diarrhea. However, you may get dehydrated without any disease, i.e., if you don't drink enough water.

What would happen if you don't fulfill your daily water needs? Soon your body will dry out, and you might start experiencing the following issues:

Dry Skin

In dehydration, the first thing you might notice is dry, cracky skin. Skin is a sensitive organ and starts to appear dull and tight. Wrinkles become more evident, and the skin becomes more prone to wear and tear.

Lethargy

You need water to keep going. A dehydrated body is incapable of working for long, strenuous hours. So, if you feel lethargic or tired, try to track down your water intake for the past couple of days.

Constipation

Constipation is considered the mother of all diseasesin some beliefs. This disease, too, finds its roots in the lack of H2O in the body. Without sufficient quantities of water in the intestines, the chyle gets dried. The stool becomes harder and is difficult to poo.

Impaired Cognition

Dehydration can impair your cognitive abilities and reduce your decision-making power. It was found in a study that even mild dehydration can lead to impaired cognitive performance and mood in adult men. You may also experience lightheadedness and confusion accompanied by headaches.

Can Dehydration Cause Body Aches And Joint Pains?

Yes, dehydration can be the culprit. Body aches, joint pains, and muscle cramps can all be attributed to water deficiency and electrolytes from your body. A lack of water can cause joint and body aches because of dehydration:

Reduces Synovial Fluid Production

As already mentioned, joints need water for synovial fluid production. Dehydration leads to the under-production of the synovial fluid. This, in turn, leads to reduced lubrication and diminished cushioning effect of joints.

Triggers Gouty Arthritis

Dehydration is recognized as one of the triggers for gout. When your body is low on water, the kidneys are loaded, and therefore the uric acid levels of your body mount up. This promotes uric acid crystals' deposition into your joints, leading to gout, a painful joint condition.

Aggravates Osteoarthritis

Dehydration and arthritis have been found to have a link. It is reported that chronic dehydration can aggravate osteoarthritis conditions. This is because the joint cartilage is made up of water. In cases of dehydration, the cartilage becomes dry and undergoes, tearing more frequently.

According to a 2000 study, the damaged articular cartilage of osteoarthritis patients is dehydrated. Thus, dehydration can aggravate osteoarthritis.

Causes Muscle Cramps

Dehydration is linked to muscle spasms and cramps, as mentioned in a study. One known cause of frequent muscle cramps is a lack of water and electrolytes in the blood.

In a study, researchers found that muscle cramps (exercise-associated muscle cramps) in athletes result from sweating that causes dehydration. Consuming carbohydrate-rich drinks delays the onset of exercise-induced muscle cramps, as per the analysis.

Leads To Lower Back Pain

Dehydration is associated with lower back pain. A cross-sectional study found out that young adults who do not drink water are more prone to suffering from lower back pain.

Natural Ways Of Curing Dehydration And Joint Pains

Dehydration and joint pain should be cured to prevent the progression of complications and other associated complications.

Natural remedies to cure joint and muscle pains due to dehydration include various fruits and herbs. Ideal herbal supplements to get relief from joint aches and to regain water content are as follows:

1. Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla (MC) is a potent way of reducing stress, providing an analgesic (painkiller) effect and replacing fluids in the body. Chamomile leaves are used in the form of tea that replenishes the electrolytes and fluids of the body. Its use is effective in providing pain relief in migraine patients, a study suggests.

Chamomile is a rich source of apigenin and flavonoids that have strong anti-inflammatory properties. According to a 2007 study, chamomile alleviates pain in gouty arthritis, thus addressing both hydration and joint pain issues.

Bad breath is a common consequence of dehydration. This is because dehydration dampens saliva production. Chamomile is also suggested as an effective treatment for xerostomia (decreased salivary disease), a study suggests.

2. Ginger

Ginger is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The herb is used in Indian foods to provide pain relief, especially for joint aches, as an alternative to drugs.

It has traditionally been used for arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis) and muscle pains. A controlled study found out that ginger extract usage effectively relieves symptoms of knee pain in osteoarthritis patients.

3. Elderflower

The herb elderflower works in a different way to improve the hydration conditions of the body. Instead of increasing the water content, it reduces the temperature of the body. This, in turn, decreases the amount of water lost as sweat. Therefore, preventing further aggravation of dehydration.

Elderberry and Elderflower extracts can be consumed as herbal tea and are efficacious in treating dehydration. You can get the best elderberry supplements that are entirely organic by clicking here.

4. Asparagus

Asparagus works in ways similar to elderflowers in maintaining the water levels of the body. Hydroregulation is enhanced with the use of asparagus. It cools down the body and decreases sweat production. The tea supplement (Asparagus pubescens) contains handsome amounts of flavonoids, tannins, and saponins that provide pain and inflammation relief, a study suggests.

5. Turmeric

The yellow powder contains a battery of anti-inflammatory chemicals, the most effective of which is curcumin. This ayurvedic herb can be used in foods, tea bags, and as supplements.

According to a randomized controlled trial, curcumin from turmeric is efficacious in alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Another trial supported its use for knee joint pain.

Curcumin supplements are the best way to get rid of joint aches. To keep your joints pain-free and get the ideal curcumin supplements, click here for the 120 capsule pack and click here for the 60 capsule pack.

You can also acquire another Turmeric supplement primarily aimed at improving joint conditions. Curcumin compound is available with glucosamine and chondroitin just a click away.

6. Licorice

Licorice, commonly known as mulethi,is frequently used in Asian (mostly Indian) households to prevent heatstroke. Many believe that licorice helps in bringing down soaring temperatures.

Dehydration treatment also aids in removing fatigue from the body. A study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of the Chinese herb. Therefore, its use for dehydration and joint pain is strongly advocated.

7. Aloe Vera

It is the most commonly used herb available in the form of pills and powders, etc. Aloe vera is shown to have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that oral uptake of aloe vera helps relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis.

8. Cat's Claw

Cat's claw is another herb used in the management of arthritis. Anti-inflammatory properties of the herb can reduce inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.

Different species of cat's claw have strong anti-oxidant properties that make it an indirect promoter of hydration. A study suggests its use as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compound for osteoarthritis patients.

9. Willow Bark

Willow bark belongs to the group of herbs that is effective for treating dehydration and joint pain. The medicinal properties of willow bark include cooling properties. Reduced body temperatures help in retaining water in the body.

Headaches can be managed by using this powerful herb. Stomach pain, muscle cramps, and other inflammatory conditions are treated by willow bark usage. According to a study, willow bark helps in alleviating exacerbations of low back pain.

10. Thunder God Vine

Tripterygium wilfordiihas been used as an anti-inflammatory compound for a long time. It can be used to manage headaches and pains caused by autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis.

Dehydration can cause skin rashes and dryness. Thunder god vine can also help alleviate skin rashes and revert the symptoms of dehydration. A study advocates its use in the symptomatic relief of Rheumatoid arthritis.

11. Green Tea

Green tea is branded as a Fat-killer. Many people across the globe use it to reduce weight and detoxify the body. Green tea leaves have multiple benefits. It is a safe beverage and an ideal way of replenishing the water content of the body.

The beverage works wonder in providing relief from arthritis. Camellia sinensis (green tea extract) is a potent adjunctive in managing knee pain in osteoarthritis patients. Another study seconds the claims of efficacy of green tea extracts.

In a rat model study, green tea was identified as an effective agent in calming sciatic nerve pain.

12. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus can be used in different ways to provide relief from arthritis pain. Topical application and aromatherapy are two evident ways of gaining relief.

The plant is rich in tannins. Tannins have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Fruits For Rehydration

Dietary changes are very important in helping you rehydrate. Fruits rich in water and milk products are very helpful in replenishing the water reserves of the body. The ideal fruits are:

• Coconut: Coconut water/milk is nature's alternative to your body fluids.
• Lemon Water:Lemon water is a rich source of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. So they replenish the lost nutrients.
• Bananas:Bananas are rich in potassium, so help you keep balanced in electrolytes.
• Orange Juice:Orange juice is the most liked way to the take-up of water.
• Cranberry Juice:Cranberry juice has immensely high water content and helps you rehydrate.
• Buttermilk And Yogurt: Yogurt and buttermilk are used in different parts of the world to keep hydrated.

Other Methods To Prevent And Cure Dehydration

You can adopt the following tips to cure dehydration and joint pain:

• Drinks copious amounts of water
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Carry out exercises but don't forget to take ample rest between sessions

Conclusion

Dehydration becomes a serious problem if left untreated. The lack of water in the body is linked to body aches, muscle cramps, and joint pains. Synovial fluid production is vital for the joints' normal working, so dehydration directly impacts the joints. This condition can also aggravate low back pain, osteoarthritis, and gouty arthritis symptoms.

Herbs, including chamomile, asparagus, willow bark, elderflower, turmeric, and ginger, are superb in managing dehydration and joint pain. Add water-rich fruits to your diets, such as watermelon and coconut water, to counter dehydration.