When you think about losing weight, most probably the first thing that comes to mind is eating less and exercising more. While these are important keys to weight loss, there is another crucial factor that you need to consider – how much water you should be drinking. If you are not drinking enough water, you are in fact, losing out on a great source of nourishment that could help you shed those extra pounds.
In most cases, we are not born with an abundance of water. We need to drink water to survive. Sometimes it can be tough to get the recommended eight glasses of water each day. Especially when you are busy working or taking care of household responsibilities. But if you want to lose weight, you need to start paying closer attention to how much water you are drinking.
What Is Water Necessary For?
Our bodies are composed of approximately 75% water. This is mainly because water is crucial for many bodily functions. For example, if we go a whole day without drinking enough water, we could become sick or even suffer from organ failure. The following are some of the most essential things that water is necessary for:
Saving Your Life
It is well known that drinking at least eight cups of water daily can save your life. This is because water assists the body in many vital ways. For starters, drinking water keeps your liver functioning properly. When your liver is intact, you are much less likely to get sick. Even when you do fall ill, you are more likely to recover. This is why dehydration is often referred to as “liver dehydration”. In addition to keeping your liver healthy, water also helps maintain a proper body fluid balance. Fluid imbalance is often the root cause of many illnesses. For instance, if you have too little water, you might experience constipation. This can be caused by insufficient levels of the hydrophilic fibers in your diet. Drinking sufficient amounts of water daily can also help prevent this condition. It is also well known that drinking enough water can prevent or alleviate many different types of illnesses and diseases. It may even be possible to prevent some illnesses through proper hydration.
A Healthy Heart
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death globally. It is closely followed by cancer and strokes. If you are struggling with heart disease, it is a medical fact that you are not drinking enough water. Your heart needs sufficient amounts of water to function properly. If you are not getting your daily eight glasses of water, you are actually, putting yourself at risk of suffering from heart disease. Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily can also help improve your cholesterol levels and keep your heart strong. It may even be possible to stave off some types of heart disease with proper hydration.
A Healthier You
When you drink sufficient amounts of water, you are providing your body with the resources necessary to stay healthy. This is mainly because water helps maintain a good balance between nutrients and oxygen in your body. Drinking water also helps flush out toxins, which in turn makes you feel better. The extra pounds you lose while drinking sufficient amounts of water will be replaced by a healthier and happier you.
A Smoother Ride
Whether you like it or not, your digestive system consumes a great deal of water. The cells in your GI tract need enough water to function properly. If you are not getting your daily eight glasses of water, you are risking an inefficient digestion system. This can result in many problems, ranging from bloating to indigestion. Drinking sufficient amounts of water can also help improve your digestion system, making you feel lighter and having a better appetite. This can help you achieve better results when losing weight.
With so many vital functions that water serves, it is clear to see how much weight you can lose by simply drinking enough of this simple yet vital liquid. Some researchers even suggest that if you are not getting enough water, you should try drinking fruit juices to make up for the lost fluids. If you want to lose weight without having to worry about how to achieve adequate hydration, simply follow these three easy steps:
Eat More Water-rich Fruits
Water-rich fruits are essential for your body. While there are many benefits to eating these delicious fruits, you should be aware that they contain a lot of water. Fruits such as cucumbers, eggplants, and watermelons are rich in fluid. Similarly, most meats are also high in water content. For instance, a four-ounce serving of beef has approximately nine tablespoons of water. This is why you should always have water available when you are eating food. You may even consider carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go. In some places, people drink an average of eight cups of water daily. If you want to be able to mimic their results, you should consider eating more fruits, which are high in water content.
Consume More Meals From Water Sources
When you start losing weight, the first thing that might occur to you is that your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to function properly. One of the primary causes of this problem is dehydration. If your cells are not getting the nutrients and oxygen they need in sufficient amounts, you are putting your health at risk. This is why it is crucial that you drink sufficient amounts of water daily. You should only eat foods that are high in water content if you are worried about dehydration. For example, there are foods such as rice and potatoes that are almost entirely water. This is also why you should avoid eating foods that are low in water content when dieting. These are likely to make you feel sluggish and cause you to lose weight slower. Instead, you should eat foods that are high in fiber, which make you feel fuller for longer and help you keep the weight off. Some vegetables and fruits are also high in fiber. This means that they can help keep you full for longer. When you eat vegetables and fruits, you are also receiving vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. In many cases, these nutrients are necessary for stopping food cravings, which can help motivate you to stay on track with your diet.
Drink At Least Eight Cups Of Water Daily
Even though most people think that drinking at least eight cups of water daily is excessive, it is actually, quite the opposite. Your body needs sufficient amounts of water to function properly. If you are not getting your daily eight glasses of water, you are actually, putting yourself at risk of dehydration. This, in turn, can lead to many health problems. Some people drink ten or more cups of water daily, but this is far from the norm. If you want to lose weight, you should start paying closer attention to how much water you are drinking daily. If you have not been drinking enough water, it can be a sign that you are not eating healthily. This is why you should try to switch foods that are high in water content for healthier options that are low in water content. Alternatively, you could try going for a walk or doing some gardening to allow your body to get some fluids. When you drink sufficient amounts of water, your natural thirst will be quenched. This will make you less likely to drink too much soda or other carbonated drinks, which are high in sugar. If you want to lose weight, you should look towards water as your key source of hydration. By simply drinking the recommended eight cups daily, you will be making a significant difference to your health and well-being. Good luck out there.