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.
|