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Drink Water to Lose Weight And Detoxify

How Much Water To Drink?

drink water to lose weight The benefits of drinking water are numerous, and recent studies suggest that you need to drink water to lose weight.Drink more water to re-hydrate and detoxify your body. Water is not only essential for health, but increases the rate at which the body burns calories, as well as being a natural appetite suppressant. Water also plays an important role as in metabolizing food. While we know that water is critical to healthy functioning of the human body, studies suggest that water promotes lowering of total energy intake and alters metabolism.

Water and Weight Loss

Most people who are on a diet do not drink enough water. To metabolize food, the body needs water. For every gram of carbohydrate, the body requires three grams of fluid. So, drinking sufficient water can help your body burn up carbohydrates instead of storing them. Additionally, proper hydration while you are on a diet is very important, as you are more prone to water retention and constipation as your body starts losing fluid along with the weight. If you are dehydrated, your body will slow down its calorie burning processes. So drink water to lose weight.

Water helps with Weight Loss

Water is a powerful aid if you are trying to lose weight. You need to drink water to lose weight. Water has no fat, no calories or sugar. It substitutes for high calorie drinks and suppresses appetite, making you feel fuller. Often, when we think we are hungry, we are just thirsty. Studies have shown that people who drink two glasses of water increase their rate of burning calories by 30%, forty minutes later. So, it is a good idea to drink water an hour before you eat your meal. It has also been found that when you drink cold water, your body burns up calories to bring your temperature back up.

Why do you need to drink water?

Apart from the need to drink water to lose weight, water also plays an important role in re-hydrating and detoxifying your body. It prevents dehydration, regulates body temperature and transports nutrients around the body.

In the course of a normal day, you lose water through sweating, breathing, urine and bowel movements. The more active you are, the more water you lose. As a result, for your body to function properly, you need to top up and replenish its water supply. The amount of water you need depends on several factors:

  1. Activity level. The amount of water you lose increases with the level of activity. Any activity that makes you sweat requires you to drink more water. Depending on how much you sweat, you may need up to half a litre extra of water. It is a good idea to drink this about 2 hours before you start exercising. If you are engaged in intense activity, it is better to have a sports drink which will also replace the salts lost through sweating
  2. Environment. The weather has an effect on how much water is lost. On a hot or humid day, you need to drink more water, as you do when in air-conditioning for long periods
  3. General Health. The very young and the elderly are at greater risk of dehydration, so need to ensure that they drink enough water. Pregnant or breastfeeding women also need more water, as you do if you have a fever or other condition such as vomiting or diarrhea. There are however, some health problems such as kidney and adrenal diseases where drinking too much water can be an issue. If you are unsure, consult a medical practitioner before making any changes to your diet
  4. Diuretics. The consumption of alcohol and caffeine also affects the amount of water you need to drink, as you lose more water from urination
  5. Detoxification. Due to our modern day diets, which include the routine consumption of highly acidic soft drinks, we need sufficient water to help neutralize the effects and dispose of waste products

How much water do you need to drink each day?

The recommended guideline is to drink around 8 glasses of water a day (about 2 litres). However, also take into account all other fluids and beverages consumed during the day as well. As a general rule, if your urine is more or less colourless or slightly yellow, your fluid intake is probably fine. Do not rely on thirst alone as a guide for when to drink water, as you may already be slightly dehydrated by the time you feel thirsty.

Tips for creating a Water Habit

  • Make water you beverage of choice, and substitute water for soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
  • Carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go, and regularly take a sip
  • Drink a glass of water with each meal
  • If you get bored of the taste of plain water, add a squeeze of lemon for zing

Remember, if you drink water to lose weight than you should be drinking at least 8 glasses a day.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for reference purposes only, and is not intended as medical or professional advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before commencing a diet or exercise program

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