Water is usually the best option for rehydrating. You should limit caffeinated beverages and avoid sports drinks because the sodium in them can cause water retention which makes it difficult to reduce swelling.

Sugary drinks should also be avoided because they can cause blood sugar levels to spike and fall. There are several ways water leaves the body: through breathing, sweating, and through waste and urine.

Some other signs include:. Read about other ways to stay hydrated! The Benefits of Water for Recovery and Injuries. Home Blog The Benefits of Water for Recovery and Injuries.

Next Previous. By PointPerformance Blog Comments are Closed 16 April, 8. How does water help speed up recovery? What can I drink to help recover from an injury or surgery?

How do your body expel water? What are some signs that you need to drink more water? Some other signs include: Dark and decreased urine Foul breath Headaches Dizziness Dry mouth Dry skin How can I remember to drink water?

Make it part of your routine. When you wake up, drink two glasses. Have at least one glass with each meal. Every time you have a snack, have some water with it.

Set a reminder in your calendar once an hour to drink a glass. Keep a glass or a water bottle nearby on your desk if at work , and make sure to drink at least eight ounces within an hour.

What else can I drink? Have you ever had an uncomfortable muscle cramp, like a charley horse? If you have, the cause behind your discomfort can be dehydration. Your muscles and joints tense up without the right amount of fluid.

It is why orthopaedic doctors suggest all patients, especially active patients who participate in sports or intense exercise, continuously drink water throughout the day.

The more water you drink, the better your muscles and joints respond to physical activity. Staying hydrated maximizes your overall physical performance.

Your body works best if you have enough fluids, whether it is for sports or normal activities. The moment you start to decrease your water intake is when your body starts to lose energy. People who participate in high levels of activity should carry enough water and fluids with electrolytes to drink before, during and after any intense exercise.

Many athletes drink not only water but also beverages like Powerade or Gatorade. Every day, your body takes in toxins from food, beverages, air and other environmental contaminants. These toxins cause physical imbalances, which makes your body feel fatigued and strange.

Drinking water cleanses your body by helping organs like your kidneys filter waste from your blood and dispose of it. The more water you drink, the more toxins your body releases inside and out. This, in turn, makes your body feel energized and refreshed. Staying hydrated also aids in treating many different ailments and illnesses.

When you are sick, it is vital to continue drinking liquids. Your body is working hard to fight off viruses or bacteria that enter the body, so drinking enough liquids can help you recover faster. Common health issues that hydration helps combat include headaches, kidney stones, colds, flus and seizures.

Achieving a well-hydrated body is easy. Your first step is to drink water multiple times throughout the day. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink 13 cups of water, women drink nine cups of water, children and teens drink six to eight cups and pregnant women drink ten cups of fluids daily.

While exercising, it is recommended that you drink eight ounces of water every 15 minutes and 16 to 24 ounces after exercise. You can also get water from fresh fruits and vegetables, so it is ideal to eat a good portion of them daily.

A good rule of thumb to remember is that you should intake about one to three cups of fruits and vegetables a day.

Hydration is the primary key to life. We would cease to exist without it. These were just six benefits of staying hydrated, but there are many more, like aiding in weight loss and keeping your skin clear. If you or a loved one are experiencing muscle pain or fatigue even after staying well-hydrated, contact one of our board-certified orthopaedic doctors today at one of our convenient Triangle locations.

View Larger Image. Promotes cardiovascular health Your heart is a big muscle that is continually pumping to ensure you get enough oxygen to all your cells.