Water and Weight Loss

Did you know over half of your body weight is made up of water? Water plays an enormous role in the human body function. Every enzymatic and chemical reaction in the body occurs with the help of water. Water transports hormones, nutrients, oxygen and antibodies. It regulates body temperature, helps maintain muscle tone, and protects tissues, organs and joints from shock and damage.

Water supports optimum gastrointestinal system function. Drinking adequate amounts of water facilitates the removal of toxins and waste from your body and reduces your risk of developing kidney stones. And, adequate water intake is extremely beneficial for weight loss.

The Relationship between Water and Weight Loss

Unlike quenching your thirst with a soft drink, alcohol, coffee, or milk, water is fat free, calorie free, and cholesterol free. It’s also a natural appetite suppressant. Drinking a large glass of water can temper ill-timed hunger pangs. Drinking a large glass of water before a meal can prompt you to feel full faster and eat less. Clinical studies even show that a low consumption of water allows fat to be deposited in the body rather than burned for energy.

When, How, and How Much to Drink?

Experts recommend you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. This actually only adds up to about two quarts of water, and this is the minimum. When losing weight, you should drink another eight ounces for every 25 pounds of excess weight you carry. Additionally, living in a hot climate or participating in intense exercise further ups the amount of water you need.

Spread your water consumption out evenly over the course of your day. Downing 64 ounces of water all at once will just lead you to the bathroom. Set aside several times throughout the day when you can drink a large glass of water, and sip in between for the rest of the day. If you feel thirsty, you’re already on the verge of dehydration. To avoid midnight bathroom runs, stop drinking water a few hours before you go to bed.

You can drink other fluids to help hydrate your body, but be careful of those that add extra calories, sugar, or additives to your diet. For natural, low-impact flavoring, add a slice of organic lemon or lime to your purified water.