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Water and Weight Loss

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN

Did you know that more than half of your body weight is made up of water? And did you further know that drinking adequate amounts of water each day can help you become leaner, healthier and more energetic? Here's a closer look at what else water can do for you.

Prevention: Drinking purified water keeps the body healthy and it helps prevent conditions such as acne, lower back pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, headaches, migraines, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, high cholesterol, muscle pain, joint pain, bloating, constipation, ulcers, malaise, and stomach pain.

Regulation: Water plays an enormous role in the overall functioning of the body. Every enzymatic and chemical reaction in the body occurs with the help of water. Water also transports hormones, nutrients, oxygen and antibodies through the system. It regulates our body temperature, helps us maintain muscle tone, and protect tissues, organs and joints from shock and damage.

Cleansing: Water helps to keep the gastrointestinal system running smoothly. It assists in the digestion and absorption of food, and in transporting oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Drinking adequate amounts of water removes toxins and wastes from your body, reduces your risk of developing kidney stones, and is extremely beneficial for weight loss.

The Relationship between Water and Weight Loss

Water is fat free, calorie free, and cholesterol free. It's also a natural appetite suppressant. When you drink all the water you need, you will very quickly notice a decrease in your appetite. Water is critical to the functioning of the digestive system because it keeps waste and nutrients moving through the body. In fact, clinical studies show that a low consumption of water allows fat to be deposited in the body rather than burned for energy. Basically, the more water you drink the more fat you will burn.

Water also helps you achieve a proper muscle contraction so that the working muscle can be used efficiently, which in turn helps promote lean muscle mass.

When, How and How Much to Drink

Health experts recommend that each of us drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. This may seem like a huge amount, but it actually only adds up to about two quarts of water. Moreover, remember that this amount is the minimum requirement. For water and weight loss you should drink another eight ounces for every 25 pounds of excess weight you carry. In addition, if you live in a very hot climate or if you exercise intensely you should consider drinking even more.

However, don't try to drink all of this water at once, as this will simply overload your kidneys and keep you running to the bathroom. Instead, you should spread out your water consumption throughout the day. If possible, aim to set aside three or four times a day when you can drink a large (8-ounce) glass of water, and then be sure to sip in between for the rest of the day. If you feel thirsty, then you're already on the verge of becoming dehydrated. Try to drink water before you reach this point. It's also a good idea to stop drinking water about three hours before you go to bed, unless you enjoy running to the bathroom all night.

Water and Weight Loss Alternatives

Not everyone enjoys the taste (or lack thereof) of water. If you don't like to drink water, then it's probably going to be difficult for you to drink so much of it each day. You can certainly drink other fluids to help hydrate your body, but be careful of those that will add extra calories, sugar, and additives to your diet. Your best bet is to try adding a slice of lemon or lime to your water.