An essential factor that is often overlooked is hydration. The amount of water you consume daily has a direct and crucial impact on the health of your joints .
The benefits of water on joints
Our joints are made up largely of cartilage, a soft and elastic tissue that provides protection against impact and ensures the proper functioning of the joint. However, this cartilage is made up of approximately 70% water. By staying well hydrated, you ensure an optimal level of hydration of the cartilage, which makes it more resistant and allows it to properly fulfill its protective role.
Hydration also plays a crucial role in the production of synovium. This viscous substance functions as a natural lubricant for the joints, reducing friction between the different joint surfaces during body movements. A lack of hydration can cause this synovium to diminish, causing increased friction, which can lead to pain and long-term damage.
Now let's take a concrete example. Imagine you are a marathon runner preparing for a big race. In this situation, your joints will be put under extreme pressure and strain. If you don't drink enough water, your body won't be able to produce enough synovium to protect your joints from this increased stress. As a result, you are more likely to damage your joints and compromise your performance.
How Hydration Helps Repair Damaged Joints
When a joint is damaged, the surrounding tissues work to repair and heal that area. However, without adequate hydration, this repair process can be significantly slowed. Water is vital for carrying essential nutrients to the cells that work to repair the joint. In fact, poor hydration can lead to slower recovery and potentially increased joint pain.
Drinking enough water helps flush waste and toxins from the body, including those produced by joint inflammation. Indeed, when your joints are inflamed following an injury, they can produce cellular waste that must be eliminated. Adequate water intake helps your body eliminate these wastes, thereby reducing inflammation and pain.
The importance of hydration in very sporty people
People who practice intensive sporting activities are particularly affected. This is because they put a lot of strain on their joints and also sweat a lot, which can lead to dehydration if they don't hydrate properly.
It may seem like going without water for a while shouldn't have any major effects on the body — especially the joints. Dehydration, even mild, can have a significant impact on joint function. In fact, your intervertebral discs, for example, are made up of almost 80% water at birth, and this proportion decreases with age and lifestyle. A lack of water will therefore reduce the ability of these discs to absorb shock, which can lead to joint pain or injuries.
Water is necessary to ensure joint lubrication and the transport of nutrients necessary for the repair and renewal of joint cells. Without adequate hydration , cartilage breaks down more easily, inflammation can set in, and the healing process can be slowed.
