If you ever get treated with a massage, the therapist will often recommend that you drink plenty of water so that toxins released by the stimulation will be removed rather than reabsorbed. Actually, though, the claim about toxins is not backed by science.
· Most Americans lack proper hydration
· Science doesn’t back up toxin claims
· Important to get water & massage
· Your massage plan
Most Americans lack proper hydration
Even though water is essential to survival, a CBS News report from 2013 revealed that most people in the US aren’t getting enough of it. In fact, 75% of people don’t get the 10 cups a day that is recommended by the Institute of Medicine. That’s disconcerting because water makes up 60% of our bodies and 85% of our brains.
It’s clear that water is fundamental to sustaining physical health, so as a general rule, it’s wise for people to be getting more water. You may think that following a massage, it is especially important to drink water because it will help to flush out toxins released during the treatment. An esteemed medical director refutes that idea, though.
Science doesn’t back up toxin claims
There aren’t any prominent studies that suggest massage releases toxins that must be washed away with additional intake of water, according to Dr. Adam Perlman, executive director of Duke Integrative Medicine.
“It’s possible that there might be an increase in certain metabolites after a massage,” explains Dr. Perlman, but those metabolites are naturally produced and are non-toxic.
Another misconception about massage is that it serves a beneficial role in cleaning up lactic acid following a workout, but research suggests that lactic acid is harmless and that massage won’t get rid of it anyway.
Important to get water & massage
There may not be strong science that it’s critical to flush out toxins following a massage, but with dehydration rampant, it can’t hurt, says Dr. Perlman.
“The bottom line is that while we don’t know that drinking water after a massage is helpful, it’s not likely to be harmful,” he says. “So if you feel like it, drink up.”
Similarly, massage may not help to reduce lactic acid levels, but it is still incredibly beneficial. Research has shown that massage can:
· Reduce cortisol and other stress hormones
· Alleviate pain and increase range of motion in osteoarthritis patients
· Counteract inflammation and expedite recovery of tired muscles
· Create balance through stretching of muscles, ligaments, and tendons
· Enhance blood flow
· Stop muscular spasming.
Your massage plan
At Advanced Wellness & Rehab, you can select from different therapeutic massage approaches to best achieve injury recovery and stress relief. Schedule a free consultation now.
