Most people believe that drinking water helps to keep them hydrated and that hydration leads to weight loss. While that may be true for some, it really depends on the individual. Some people may actually end up drinking more due to their body’s thirst mechanism while others may drink less simply because they’re not as thirsty. Ultimately, it is not the hydration level that leads to weight loss but the calorie content behind the drink that matters.
Water And Weight Loss
When you drink water, you are actually consuming H2O which is an abbreviation for water. One gram of H2O has only four calories but there are about a thousand calories in a gallon of regular drinking water. So, while it is true that drinking water may help you to stay hydrated, it may also have the opposite effect and cause you to gain weight. The key is learning to drink the right amount of water which is often more than what your body needs. In fact, many experts recommend drinking eight glasses of water per day – for those who need it – to stay hydrated and trim.
Health Benefits Of Water
Apart from the calories, the other benefit of water is that it keeps you hydrated. Sometimes, people may not drink enough water resulting in them being dehydrated. When you’re dehydrated, your body does not function properly and you may even experience some health problems. Fortunately, drinking at least eight glasses of water every day can help prevent many ailments. Some of these health benefits include:
- Good for your skin
- Improved immunity
- Lowered blood pressure
- Improved digestion
- Protection from diseases
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a casual user, drinking at least eight glasses of water every day can boost your overall health and well-being.
Where Can I Buy Quality Water?
If you decide that you want to try out this healthier lifestyle change and you’re interested in buying a gallon of water, where can you buy it? Well, you can’t. Due to the high demand and limited supply, it is extremely difficult to buy bottled water or large quantities of it even at a health food store. The best place to buy quality drinking water is either at the source of the problem (fountain) or at a water recycling plant. At the source of the problem, the water comes from a natural spring and it is untainted with chemicals from either the tap or the industry. Recycle plants get their water from rainfall, rivers, or lakes and it is also suitable for vegetarians.
For those who live in a region with an unseasonal water shortage, water recycling can be a viable temporary solution. When the spring rains fail and the water level in the rivers begin to recede, it becomes difficult for people to get their daily requirements of drinking water. The water is then recycled and put back into circulation which in turn helps to reduce the region’s dependency on fossil fuels (petroleum) and depletion of natural resources. In addition to helping the environment, water recycling also helps to reduce your monthly water bill due to its high efficiency. The average American household wastes about a thousand gallons of water per month whether through showers, kitchen sinks, or toilet usage. Recycle plants help to reduce this consumption by providing an alternative source of water.
Quality Versus Quantity
It is well-established that drinking at least eight glasses of water each day can provide numerous health benefits. However, how much should you actually drink? As a general rule of thumb, you should try to avoid drinking from the bottle or can as this usually leads to health problems. Instead, drink from the fountain or recycle plant and you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of this healthy drink without risking your health in any way. For those who do opt to buy bottled water, keep in mind that it is usually of poor quality and it can contain various chemicals that are potentially harmful to your health. Buying bottled water whenever you need it is simply not worth it and it is best to avoid it altogether since there are so many benefits to drinking from the tap. You should also try to avoid buying bottled water in larger quantities as this simply encourages people to buy more and it is usually of poor quality. It is often cheaper to buy a single bottle of water at a time rather than buying in bulk anyway which makes it simpler for you to avoid any unhealthy additives or compounds. If you decide that you want to buy bottled water anyway, make sure that you only buy the smallest size available since this is usually the only way to ensure that the water is clean and free of any contaminants. You should also try to avoid buying soft drinks packaged in plastic bottles as these usually come with various chemicals that leach into the water over time. It is never a good idea to buy bottled water when on the go since it is usually more expensive and it requires more space in your luggage. Ultimately, it is better to bring your own water bottle and fill it up at work or school when you need it rather than buy single-use bottled water.
The Dangers Of Poor Hydration
Some experts believe that dehydration is actually one of the most common and dangerous problems that people experience. The condition often goes unnoticed by the individual due to its gradual onset but once you recognize the early signs, you can begin to treat it promptly. The factors that contribute to dehydration include:
- Excessive sweating
- Bad diet
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Consuming alcohol
- Physical exertion
- Too hot climate
If you experience any of these symptoms repeatedly, even if they are not severe or life-threatening, you should seek medical help. Dehydration is never a good thing and it can have serious consequences that last for the rest of your life. If you’re in good health and you drink enough fluids, you may not even experience any discomfort but when it comes to extreme cases, dehydration can lead to some nasty complications. Some examples of these complications include:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Low blood pressure
- Bladder infection
- Kidney damage
- Thirst
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
So, if you want to enjoy the benefits of drinking water and stay healthy, you need to learn how to properly hydrate your body. The key is drinking enough fluids on a regular basis and avoiding dehydration and overexposure to the sun. Many people who drink sufficient amounts of water every day do experience some physical benefits but the main purpose of drinking water is to stay hydrated. If you want to lose weight, it may be best to avoid drinking water altogether and instead rely on diet and exercise to shed the pounds.