Weight Loss By Water - Benefits of Water
If you are eating the right food and exercising regularly but still can’t get the result that you have expected, then it means that you are not drinking enough water. An essential part of the our body, water helps reduce weight in many ways. Here are just some of the reasons why everyone should be drinking at least eight glasses of water day.
Naturally suppresses appetite
Water is also a natural appetite suppressant, a glass prior to eating helps curb your appetite by filling your stomach and it can help you lose weight and keep it off permanently.
Water is useful when we are trying for losing weight. Water suppresses the appetite and helps to reduce the body fat. When your stomach is full of water, you’ll feel full sooner. If you think you are hungry, drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes before eating something as you may just be thirsty. (However water should not be substituted for food, still eat your 3 meals per day and 2-3 healthy snacks per day).
Increases Metabolism
There are many forms of metabolism going on in our body and one such is the metabolism of fat. The main function of the liver is to convert fat into energy. It also picks up the slacks of kidneys, which need plenty of water to work properly. If the kidneys are water-deprived, the liver has to do their work along with its own. It affects the total productivity levels of the liver forcing the fat metabolism to take a back seat. This effect results in fat storage in the body.
Reduces stored fat deposits
Water aids in the burning of fat. To burn fat the fat cells need to first be free of excess water and toxins. One reason you may not be losing weight is your not drinking enough water so your body holds on to what water it gets for survival. Our metabolic rate is the rate in which we burn calories. Water is required for this process to function at its best. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.
Proper kidney Function
Water maintains and encourages proper kidney function, which increases the efficiency of the liver’s fat burning ability. When insufficient water is drunk the kidneys cannot work properly and this has an effect on our liver. It is the livers job to convert stored fat to energy. If the liver needs to do some of the work that the kidneys should be doing, than the liver can not work as it should do to metabolize fat and therefore the fat is stored rather than broken down and used as energy.
Decreases fluid retention
Enough water helps reduce water retention. To get rid of excess water, one has to consume more water. This is because if not enough water is drunk the body goes into survival mode and stores water in extra-cellular spaces. This can show up as swollen feet, legs, hands.
Helps muscles maintain their tone
Water helps maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their natural ability to contract more effectively. Muscle tone will prevent the sagging skin that usually follows weight loss.
Drinking fluids, particularly, water, during exercise reduces cardiovascular stress and improves performance. After a strenuous workout, you have to replace the fluids you have lost. Otherwise, you will suffer chronic dehydration. Drink water before, during and after exercising, and remember that water reduces body temperature thus making the whole exercise process safer. It can help you exercise longer and more efficiently and this alone would be enough to help you lose weight but water does more – much more.
Aids in the prevention of sagging skin after weight loss
The best medicine for your skin, water clears skin dirtiness and helps maintain a fair glow on your face. Skin that is becoming saggy, either due to aging or weight loss, plumps up very nicely when the skin cells are hydrated. It also helps to improve the muscle tone. Water does wonders for your skin it leaves you with a clear, glowing complexion as impurities have been washed out of your system.
Rids the body of excess waste
Water nourishes your cells, flushes out toxins, prevents constipation and crankiness (no relationship between the two) and it can help keep your skin healthy, youthful and glowing.
The key is to keep drinking water, or you will see the weight come back. For every 25 pounds you want to lose, drink an extra glass of water. Drinking other fluids may hydrate your body but you will need to consider the extra calories and sugar in them if trying to lose weight. Also it maybe time to learn to like to drink water due to the health benefits water provides. If water is not your thing, try flavouring it with a slice of lemon or start with mixing half apple/orange or cranberry juice with water.
By Cassandra Germsheid, Gelfey Sterling, Bob Tracz, James Harison & Angela Emde
