How Does Drinking Water Help You Lose Weight
It is true that drinking water does help you lose weight. There are scientific processes and facts that prove the merits of eight glasses of water a day. But do not be fooled; it does not happen overnight. Consistently drink plenty of water each day and eventually your body will adjust and your weight will decrease.
There are several reasons why drinking plenty of water, 64 ounces daily, aids in weight loss.
Increased Metabolism
Stored fat is metabolized by the liver. Another function of the liver is to process any waste products that the kidneys cannot. The kidneys need water to perform their function of removing waste from the body. Dehydrated kidneys cannot do their job. If the liver is busy working for the kidneys, the body will retain its stored fat. If the kidneys are hydrated they do their job and the liver is free to metabolize stored fat, removing it from your body.
Decreased Water Weight
When the body does not get the hydration it needs it tries to protect itself from dehydration by storing water. Once the body receives a regular supply of water, it will begin to release the water it stored for emergency use. Fingers, ankles, feet and thighs will all begin to shrink as their stored water is eliminated. The time necessary to complete this process varies by individual. Be patient, the lost water weight is worth the wait.
Appetite Regulation
Drinking a glass of water prior to eating a meal assists your body in three ways. First, water aids in digestion. If your body can effectively process the food you eat, it will absorb the nutrients more efficiently, satisfying hunger. Second, water dilutes the acids in the stomach easing hunger pains and decreasing appetite. Finally, it partially fills the stomach giving the illusion of fullness. This is a great technique to avoid over eating. It is important to eat only what the body needs, not what it wants.
Snack Control
Thirst can often be mistaken for the munchies. Drinking a glass of water hydrates the body, often eliminating the desire for a snack. It also creates that illusion of fullness, mentioned previously.
Increased Energy
Dehydration decreases the volume of blood in the body. Blood carries oxygen to every part of the body providing it with the energy it needs to function. Water increases the volume of blood, thereby increasing the oxygen present in the body, which in turn creates energy. Use that extra energy to get some exercise. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car at the back of the parking lot. Mow the lawn.
The average person should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. That's 64 ounces or about two quarts. If you live in a particularly hot or dry climate, drink more. If you are overweight, drink more. Drink water at consistent intervals throughout the day; don't gulp half a day's water at one sitting.