What's your favorite beverage? Ice tea, a cocktail,
milk…? How about good old H2O?!!
Approximately 60% of your bodyweight is comprised of water, and
nearly all the major systems in your body depends on it, and will not
function properly in its absence! And as incredible as it may seem,
water is quite probably the most single important factor in losing weight
and keeping it off. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated!
Functions of water are numerous, and include:
Promoting cell life, transporting nutrients, chemical and metabolic reactions, body temperature regulation,
elimination of waste, lubrication of joints, and keeping your tissues moist, to name a few. Water also
serves to protect body’s organs and tissues.
Why is water so important in losing and maintaining a healthy weight?
Here's the Skinny:
There lies a symbiotic relationship between the kidney and liver in fat metabolism.
The kidney serves to filter and remove by-product toxins, out of our system much like a filter in a car, and
without enough water, cannot operate function properly. When this occurs, there is more load capacity
placed on the liver.
One of the most important functions of the liver is to metabolize stored fat into energy. However if the liver
is overloaded because the kidney is challenged, then less fat is metabolized and remains stored in the
body, because the liver cannot operate at full throttle. People who are overweight require more water
because they have a larger metabolic load.
Water, particularly cold water, serves as an appetite suppressant and helps the body metabolize stored
fat. In addition water helps to maintain and promote good muscle and skin tone, and will assist to keep
skin from sagging after weight loss.
Adequate water intake actually combats fluid retention. If you become dehydrated the body will actually
store water as a safety mechanism. This can result in fluid retention. Retained water can actually present
as excessive weight. So...drink up! The kidneys will start to pump the more you drink and create a level of
homeostasis. If you have excessive fluid retention, it may be related to too much salt intake or possibly,
an underlying cardiac issue.
H2O can help to relieve constipation and rid the body of waste. Not enough water?
Well then it is pulled from the colon, leading to constipation.
How much water do we really need? the experts recommend :
At least two quarts a day, or 8-8oz glasses, even more if you're overweight
or exercise .
Ice, ice baby! Go Cold! Cold water is absorbed into the system easier and
may assist in raising metabolism
Increase water intake in hot and dry climates, and remember when you
shiver you are also losing water.
To utilize water most effectively and to maintain or lose weight, drink one
quart in the morning, 1 quart at noon, and 1 quart consumed between five
and 6 o'clock at night. This assists to boost metabolism, suppress appetite and promote better digestion.
Drink up! But remember excessive water intake can dilute your electrolytes so replace through
appropriate diet and or sports drinks that promote electrolyte balance.
Go ahead... Throw back some H20!!
~Dr. Allie