You might be familiar with the fad known as “water cleansing” or “water fasting”, where people believe that drinking only water will help them lose weight. However, did you know that while drinking only water may help you lose weight, drinking 4 or more bottles of water per day could actually hinder your efforts? Here are the reasons why:
The Calorie Myth
First of all, let’s dispel the myth that drinking water is calorie-free. While it is true that water is devoid of calories, drinking it in the form of a whole bottle or cup won’t help you lose weight. Water contains several calories, as does any drink, for that matter. One bottle of water contains about 16 calories, and a cup of coffee contains about 100 calories. So, having a drink or two before or after a meal might not be such a bad idea, especially since alcohol has been known to decrease the appetite. Still, trying to lose weight by drinking water alone is probably not such a good idea.
The Hydration Myth
Just like with calories, the hydration myth also needs to be busted. Simply drinking more water will not make you more hydrated. You should be sure to drink sufficient amounts of water, but drinking way above what is healthy for you can actually do more harm than good. For example, consuming more than 1.5 liters of water per day might cause cramps and other unpleasant sensations, as well as cause you to urinate more frequently. It is also important to note here that consuming more than the recommended amounts of water can also lead to health problems. One of the more serious ones is dehydration, which can cause heart disease and other complications. So, while drinking more than 1.5 liters of water per day might be healthy for short-term use, it might not be for very long. Still, it depends on the individual. Your body needs enough water to function properly, and it will tell you if you are drinking enough or not, so try to listen to it, but don’t go overboard and make yourself sick in the process.
The Bloat And Gas Worseness Myth
Have you ever noticed that after drinking a bottle of water you seem to inflate like a balloon? That’s because water can make you bloat. If you feel like you’re swelling after every drink, then it’s time for you to put a stop to it. Dehydration is never a good thing, and it can seriously increase the amount of bloat you experience after drinking, especially when you consume alcohol. It also causes gas to be released, which could further contribute to your bloat. There is also the fact that when you drink enough fluids, your digestive system has to work harder to process food and liquids, which can also make you bloated. While it is true that excessive fluid intake can cause these problems, it is also a fact that it can help alleviate many of them as well. So, it’s important that you drink the right amount of fluids to avoid these side effects, but it’s also important that you drink enough fluids to satisfy your thirst. It is also advisable to drink them in small sips rather than gulps to avoid any digestive upsets that could arise from taking a large gulp of water. Small sips also allow your stomach to realize that you’re drinking liquid and not food, which is often the case when people drink in large quantities. Sipping on fluids also allows you to better control the amount you consume, which is often difficult when you drink in large quantities. Sipping also allows you to more easily continue drinking even when you experience cravings or when you are tired, as gulp-downing fluids often leaves you with a dry mouth and tires your mouth, making it more difficult to continue drinking. In the end, it’s always best to choose options that satisfy your basic needs while avoiding excess consumption, which could lead to health concerns. Still, the right choice of drinks can be instrumental in helping you lose weight, and it’s never a bad idea to try new things! So, if you’re interested in trying a new way to shed pounds, then why not give water fasting a try? You might just find that it’s the key to your ideal weight.