Health and Water
Incredible as it seems, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in weight loss. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. 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. Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the "only true magic potion" for permanent weight loss and here's why:
The kidneys cannot function properly without enough water. When they do not work to capacity, some of their workload is passed onto the liver. The liver's primary function is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But, if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it cannot work at optimum efficiency. As a result, it metabolizes less fat and more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops.
Drinking enough water is also the best treatment for fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold onto every drop. Water is stored in extra cellular spaces [outside the cells]. This shows up as swollen feet, hands and legs. Diuretics [pills] offer a temporary solution at best as they "force" out stored water along with some essential nutrients. The body will again perceive this as a threat and will replace the lost water at the first opportunity. The best way to overcome the problem of water retention is to give your body what it needs, plenty of fresh clean water.
If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt may also be to blame. Your body will tolerate sodium only in certain concentrations. The larger the salt intake, the more water your system retains to dilute the salt. But getting rid of unneeded salt is very easy, simply drink more water. As water is forced through the kidneys, it removes the excess sodium and water retention eases.
Larger people have larger metabolic loads thus an over weight person naturally needs more water. Water helps to maintain proper muscle tone, by giving muscles their natural ability to contract and by preventing dehydration. Water helps to prevent sagging skin that usually follows weight loss as the shrinking cells are buoyed by water which plums the skin and leaves it clear, healthy and resilient. Water assists the body in expelling toxic wastes. During weight loss periods, the body has substantially more waste to get rid of as the metabolized fat is broken down and shed. Water also relieves constipation. When the body receives too little water, it siphons what it needs from internal sources and the result is constipation. With sufficient water intake, the bowel will function normally and constipation problems are minimized.
In summary, we have discovered some remarkable truths about water and about weight loss: The body will not function properly without enough water and therefore cannot metabolize stored fat efficiently; retained water shows up as excess weight; to get rid of excess water you must drink more water; and drinking water is essential to weight loss, weight stability and proper body functions.
HOW MUCH WATER IS ENOUGH?
On the average, a person should drink eight - eight ounce glasses of water everyday. However, the over weight person needs one additional glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight. The amount that you drink should be increased if you exercise or if the weather is hot and dry. Water should preferably be cold, it's absorbed more quickly into the system than warm water, some evidence suggests that drinking cold water can actually burn calories! When the body gets sufficient water to function correctly, its fluids are balanced and you have reached the "break through point". This means that the endocrine gland functions normally and fluid retention is minimal. More fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to metabolize stored fat and a natural thirst desire returns.
