How Drinking Water Makes You Healthier
By Bob Tom
Scientists have disputed if water has any effect on weight loss, but almost 59% of adults in the US believe it does, and these are some of the reasons why. For those looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, why not try water to help you lose weight? Here are a few reasons why you need to think of water as an assistant in weight loss.
1. Keep hydrated, eat less
When you are dehydrated you tend to eat more. This is because we want to eat more than we want to drink water. Whenever you’re hungry, you grab food the minute the signal is sent but we tend to ignore our thirst signal until it becomes unbearable. Almost 75% of us are dehydrated at any one time. So try to take some water when you find yourself next time you’re craving food in between meals.
TIP: Drink water (1 glass) about half an hour before a meal, but not closer. Drinking too close to the meal dilutes your stomach acid.
2. Reduce calories
Drinking water regularly prevents you from drinking high calorie drinks that will increase your weight. Instead of water we tend to replace it with milk flavored coffee, tea, fruit juices, and soft drinks. These drinks are high in calories so switching to water you of course consume less calories.
3. Increased energy
Even being a little dehydrated can cause you to lose energy and be sluggish and we tend to go for high calorie snacks to motivate us. Drinking water helps to boost energy and you will want to use it for exercise which helps to reduce your weight and you will consume less calories.
4. Boost your metabolism
Drinking more water (especially cold water) helps to increase the energy you expend even while at rest – up to 400 kilojoules for every two liters of water you drink.
TIP: When you’re tired of plain old water, add some lemon for flavor, or a bit of fruit juice (10%).
5. Healthy Joints
Sometimes we feel like our joints need some lubrication, and water helps to do this. Water is a main component of synovial fluid that is found in the joints, and helps to reduce friction and protect your joints from injury.
TIP: Eat foods with high water concentration. Grapefruit contains 91% water. Watermelon and strawberries contain 92% water. Cucumber and lettuce contain 96% water.
6. Liver functions
Your liver helps to remove waste from your body and to metabolize fat. Drinking water regularly helps the liver to carry out its functions unhindered.
7. Body health consciousness
Humans are creatures of habit and carrying a water bottle everyday can help you to take better care of your body as you set your goal to drink at least two liters of water everyday. You will start to slowly become conscious of you food intake and exercises.
TIP: When you have a headache don’t always rush to get an aspirin, take some water instead and you might find that headache was just your body telling you to take some water.
8. Muscle build up
We sometimes find our muscles aren’t as strong as they look and this is because dehydration causes loss of muscle strength and slow muscle response. Staying hydrated before and after doing exercise helps with muscle growth and response.
TIP: Being thirsty means you are dehydrated. Try to drink water at regular intervals, and don’t wait to get thirsty.
We are always advised to drink 2 liters of water everyday (equivalent to eight glasses of water). This, however, is completely dependent on the individual. For example, people who are active and sweat a lot may need more water than those who are not as active. Don’t overdo your consumption, as it can cause water toxicity, which can lead to death. Keep to the safe threshold of two liters of water (67 ounces).
Don’t always go for the high energy foods or candy to boost you in a day, as they help only to increase your weight and make you lose the energy you need shortly after. Drinking water as you should will help to keep you healthy, as your body will get rid of waste efficiently and you will never be at a loss of energy when you need some to go through the day.
