When the body lacks water, connective tissue—and especially the intervertebral discs—suffers first. To properly perform their shock-absorbing function, the discs need to absorb fluid from surrounding tissues. If there isn’t enough fluid, they literally shrink, increasing the likelihood of back pain and hernia formation.

For this reason, it is vital for those suffering from an intervertebral hernia to consume sufficient amounts of fluids, preferably clean water. Coffee, tea (including green tea), and berry drinks should be limited because these beverages have a diuretic effect, which promotes dehydration.

It’s important to clearly distinguish between regular drinks and clean drinking water, which is essential for maintaining the body’s water balance. Drinks include any water-based mixtures: tea, juices, nectars, compotes, mineral waters.

These drinks do not compensate for water loss. The most affected by constant water deficiency are fragile joints, cartilage tissues, and intervertebral discs, which are composed of about 90% water. The calculation of water balance is individualized based on the patient’s weight and physical activity. However, in any case, a person suffering from an intervertebral hernia should drink at least two to three liters of clean water per day.

It is also important to follow a drinking schedule: water should be consumed strictly between meals; otherwise, it will only aid digestion and will not help maintain the water balance. The climate in which a person lives also affects water balance. People living in hot climates need more water than those in cold or temperate regions.

Thirst can also be quenched not only with water but with certain foods. Many vegetables, fruits, and berries contain a lot of water. For example, 0.5 kg of apples equals 0.5 liters of water by weight. Cucumbers contain 96% water, celery 94%, tomatoes 93%, spinach 92%, melon 91%, strawberries 90%, papaya 89%, grapefruit 88%, and oranges 86%. These fruits and vegetables not only quench thirst but also replenish vitamins and minerals in the body.