 Besides fiber from whole grains and vegetables the single most important “element” to any weight loss program is water – and as Americans even if we are not trying to lose weight we never drink enough of it.
Few people realize just how essential water intake is to weight loss, weight maintenance, and over all good health. Whether trying to lose weight, gain weight, or just stay fit; good old H2O plays a critical role – and here’s why. Not only are our bodies basically made up of water - we are all over 70% “wet” – water has many primary bodily functions. Water aids in the absorption of nutrients from food.
Proper digestion cannot take place without enough water. Water is also vital for proper excretion and elimination of waste. Proper kidney and bowel function, the two most critical organs in eliminating waste and toxins from the body rely on water.
Water regulates body temperature. Not enough water not enough sweat, this is critical especially during exercise, which is of course part of any weight loss or weight maintenance program. Blood, which circulates nutrition throughout the body, is over 90% water, as are all of the digestive juices.
When it comes to weight loss, water is the best natural appetite suppressant there is. Drinking water cuts down on your appetite. Being thirsty makes you feel hungry as well, as thirst can trigger a low glucose response, which makes the brain think it is also hungry. Most “hunger pangs” are in fact cries of thirst.
Next time you feel that stomach growl head for the water cooler instead of the vending machine. So how much water should you drink? Nutritional experts recommend 6- 8 glasses a day for anyone just for basic health, so if yo want to lose weight you should be drinking at least that much, and probably more. But drink them constantly, slowly, and spaced out throughput the day. Drink too much at once and it will simply pass through you with little or no benefit.
Once you start keeping your body properly hydrated you will not only notice weight loss becoming easier, but several other immediate benefits will occur. You will see a marked improvement in your skin. Energy will increase. You will feel far less muscle fatigue and aches and pains after exercising, and often those who had been suffering with chronic headaches have found they have gone away with increased water intake.
So “To your health” as they say, and raise a glass – of water.
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