By Courtney Kelly
Over the last five years, fitness has become a huge part of my adult life. I would work out for an hour, four to five times a week, with aggressive CrossFit programs, and then come home to resume my regular nightly routine. However, after many dedicated gym sessions over three years, I started asking myself: Where are the results? I had changed my habits and lifestyle to consist of what I considered a healthy track. Nonetheless, I still lacked the proper energy to make it through the day without yawning, and wore the same pant size I had always fit into. After seeking out additional resources, I bit the bullet and met with a nutritional coach. My family members were confused, as they perceived me as the fittest one among them. However, when one falls short of self-imposed expectations, they often stop at nothing to achieve that goal.
Even after changing the way I ate—which I already knew would require much effort—there was still one nutritional aspect I failed at daily. I did not consume nearly enough water for my small 5’3” frame. I continually left myself improperly nourished of the most vital nutrient of all. With the human body ranging from 55% to 70% water, the brain being composed of about 85% water, and 90% of our blood plasma containing water, the magical molecule H2O plays a significant role in our overall function.
Water is critical to almost every function in living organisms. Among other functions, water maintains body temperature, metabolizes body fat, aids in digestion, cushions organs, lubricates areas such as the throat, transports nutrients to cells, and flushes toxins out of organs. Day after day, Dr. Berger treats a range of patients coming in due to hip pain, knee pain, or often both. In a world where patients come in various shapes, sizes, and with different levels of joint deterioration, one truth remains consistent in post-surgical care: hydration is crucial for a shorter, more complete recovery. When an unnatural occurrence, such as joint surgery, affects the body, the task of consuming enough water becomes even more imperative.
When a patient undergoes surgery with Dr. Berger, prescribed medications and rest are necessary to aid in the recovery following the implantation of a new joint. Medications such as OxyContin may be prescribed for post-operative care and require a patient to consume more water. The amount of water recommended varies per person, but is often more than suspected. On average, a human’s water intake should be between seven to nine cups a day. Another way to ensure proper hydration is for each person to drink their own body weight in ounces each day. While that may seem excessive, remember all the critical roles water plays in our lives. Whether trekking through a mountain, sitting at an office desk, or going through a surgical procedure, hydration is key to success.
