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Incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off. Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true "magic potion" for permanent weight-loss.
Water suppresses the appetitie naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies show that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water can actually reduce fat deposits.
Why? The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When the kidneys don't function to capacity, some of the work load is taken on by the liver. The liver's primary function is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy. If the liver has to do some of the kidneys work, it can't function at its optimal capacity. As a result, it metabolizes fat. More fat remains stored and weight loss/fat loss stops.
The best way to overcome water retention is to give the body more water. This will then release the stored water. Diuretics offer only temporary relief of water retention. Your body will perceive this as a threat to survival and hold on to every drop.
If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt may be your problem. The more salt you eat the more water your body will hold. It holds onto water to dilute the salt because the body can only tolerate so much sodium. To get rid of sodium, drink more water. Water will remove sodium as it passes through the kidneys.
Water helps maintain muscle by giving it the natural ability to contract and by preventing dehydration. Remember, your muscles are primarily made up of water.
How much water is enough? On the average a person should drink eight 8 ounce glasses of water every day. However, the overweight person needs one additional glass fo every 25 pounds of excess weight. The amount of water should be increased if you exercise in hot or dry climates. The water should be cold. Cold water is absorberd more quickly by the body.
Excerpted from a magazine article by Donald S. Robertson M.D.
Water suppresses the appetitie naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies show that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water can actually reduce fat deposits.
Why? The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When the kidneys don't function to capacity, some of the work load is taken on by the liver. The liver's primary function is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy. If the liver has to do some of the kidneys work, it can't function at its optimal capacity. As a result, it metabolizes fat. More fat remains stored and weight loss/fat loss stops.
The best way to overcome water retention is to give the body more water. This will then release the stored water. Diuretics offer only temporary relief of water retention. Your body will perceive this as a threat to survival and hold on to every drop.
If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt may be your problem. The more salt you eat the more water your body will hold. It holds onto water to dilute the salt because the body can only tolerate so much sodium. To get rid of sodium, drink more water. Water will remove sodium as it passes through the kidneys.
Water helps maintain muscle by giving it the natural ability to contract and by preventing dehydration. Remember, your muscles are primarily made up of water.
How much water is enough? On the average a person should drink eight 8 ounce glasses of water every day. However, the overweight person needs one additional glass fo every 25 pounds of excess weight. The amount of water should be increased if you exercise in hot or dry climates. The water should be cold. Cold water is absorberd more quickly by the body.
Excerpted from a magazine article by Donald S. Robertson M.D.
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