Incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single
most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off.
Although most of us take for granted, water may be the only
true "magic potion" for permanent 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.
Here's why: The kidneys can't function properly without enough
water. When they don't work to capacity, some of their load is
dumped onto the liver. One of the liver's primary functions 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 can't
operate at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat
more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops.
Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention.
When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to
survival and begins to hold on to every drop. Water is stored
in extra cellular spaces (outside the cell). This shows up as
swollen feet, legs and hands.
Diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force out
stored water along with some essential nutrients. Again, the
body perceives a treat and will replace the lost water at the
first opportunity. Thus, the condition quickly returns.
The best way to overcome the problem of water retention is to
give your body what it needs -- plenty of water. Only then will
stored water be released.
If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt
may be to blame. Your body will tolerate sodium only in a
certain concentration. The more salt you eat the more water
your system retains to dilute it.
But getting rid of unneeded salt is easy -- just drink more
water. As it's forced through the kidneys it takes away excess
sodium.
The overweight person needs more water than a thin one. Larger
people have larger metabolic loads. Since we know that water is
the key to fat metabolism, it follows that the over weight
person needs more water.
Water helps to maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles
their natural ability to contract and by preventing dehydration.
It also helps to prevent the sagging skin that usually follows
weigh loss -- shrinking cells are buoyed by water which plumps
the skin and leaves it clear, healthy and resilient.
Water helps rid the body of waste. During weight loss, the body
has a lot more waste to get rid of -- all that metabolized fat
must be shed. Again, adequate water helps flush out the waste.
Water can help relieve constipation. When the body gets too
little water, it siphons what it needs from internal sources.
The colon is one primary source. Result? Constipation. But
when a person drinks enough water, normal bowel function usually
returns.
So far, we've discovered some remarkable truths about water and
weight loss:
* The body will not function properly without enough
water and can't metabolize stored fat efficiently.
* Retained water shows up as excess weight.
* To get rid of excess water you must drink more water.
* Drinking water is essential to weight loss.
How much water is enough? On the average, a person should drink
8-ounce glasses every day. That's about 2 quarts. However, the
overweight person needs one additional glass for every 25 pounds
of excess weight. The amount you drink also should be increased
if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry.
Water should preferably be cold. It's absorbed into the system
more quickly than warm water. And some evidence suggests that
drinking cold water can actually help burn calories. To
utilize water most efficiently during weight loss, follow this
schedule:
Morning: 1 quart consumed over a 30-minute period.
Noon: 1 quart consumed over a 30-minute period.
Evening: 1 quart consumed between five and six o'clock.
When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally,
it's fluids are perfectly balanced. When this happens, you have
reached the "breakthrough point." What does this mean?
* Endocrine-gland function improves.
* Fluid retention is alleviated as stored water is lost.
* More fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to
metabolize stored fat.
* Natural thirst returns.
* There is a loss of hunger almost over night.
If you stop drinking enough water, your body fluids will be
thrown out of balance again, and you may experience fluid
retention, unexplained weight gain and loss of thirst. To
remedy the situation you'll have to go back and force another
"breakthrough."
