Are you fed up with your diet plan because it doesn’t seem to be working? How about adding something else to your diet? Something that is free, safe and completely free of side effects? Yes, we are talking about water.

How can water help you lose weight?

First, let us talk about the basics of fat metabolism. Fat is converted to energy by the liver. However, no organ in the human body is entirely independent of the others. Proper function of the kidneys is a must for the liver to function effectively, and water is a must for your kidneys to function properly.

Enzymes in our body function more effectively when they are less viscous (more diluted). Water is required for all metabolic and chemical reactions in our body. So, drinking more water boosts your body’s metabolic rate and helps it burn fats faster.

When you work out, your body produces toxins. By drinking more water, your body will be able to flush out these dangerous toxins.

If you drink very little water, chances are you will suffer from dehydration. Dehydration causes your body to hold on to whatever water it contains, thereby causing bloating and weight gain Moreover, dehydration causes a reduction in blood volume therefore causing a decrease in oxygen supply to your body causing you to feel tired. Therefore, if you plan to exercise remember to drink plenty of water or you will tire out soon.

Water also keeps joints lubricated and aids in muscle contraction. This is another reason why you should drink plenty of water while working out.

Water makes you feel full so that you do not eat more than you need or snack unnecessarily. If you still feel hungry after drinking water, chances are you are really hungry and in such cases you can get yourself something to eat.

You know that you ought to eat plenty of fiber to prevent constipation. But if you eat a high fiber diet without drinking water, it will only cause constipation, not prevent it.

So, how much water should you drink per day? The standard is eight 8 ounce of glasses per day. You can also eat fruits and vegetables which have high water content, so that you supplement your water intake or you can consume fresh juices. However, stay away from tea, coffee and soda because they act as diuretics and reduce the hydration levels of your body. If you are engaged in heavy physical activity or if it is particularly hot, you will need to consume more than the usual amount of water.

Now that you know how essential the role of water plays in your weight loss regimen, why not make it an integral part of your diet? Start your day with a few glasses of water and you will find yourself feeling fresh and ready to take on the challenges of a new day.

Kyle Oliart

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Kyle Oliart