When it comes to weight loss, there are numerous theories, plans, and programs. However, if there is one thing that all nutritionists agree on, that is the importance of water. Not only is this zero calories beverage good for keeping you hydrated but it is great for getting rid of some extra pounds as well. If you have questions about the process of drinking water to lose weight, we are here to give you all the right answers.
The Importance of Water
When people hear about the drinking water to lose weight solutions they are of course suspicious. After all, everybody drinks water on a daily basis yet some people are fit while others are having weight problems. Well, it is important to understand that drinking water solely when you are thirsty is not enough. Thirst is the body’s way of telling you that it needs to be hydrated but that doesn’t mean you should only drink water when you are thirsty. Furthermore, some people choose to satisfy their thirst with sweetened beverages which are far from being as efficient as water. Although drinking more water will help you lose weight faster don’t expect any miracles. Here are some quick tips and helpful info about water and weight loss:
- If you really want to see fast results, combine the water plan with a healthy diet as well as regular exercise.
- If you choose drinking water to lose weight you should also try to reduce your salt consumption. This will help you lose the water weight a lot faster.
- If you consume alcohol you should drink more than the recommended daily water quantity in order to fight the dehydrating effect of alcohol.
- If you are really serious about your health, you should first do a chemical analysis of your tap water in order to see if you are exposing yourself to any contaminants. If the chemical analysis reveals some shocking results, you might want to check out some whole house water filtration system reviews.
From these reviews, you will learn that by exposing yourself to contaminated tap water, you are endangering your health. Not only is contaminated water dangerous when you drink it but it can also affect you when you take a shower or when you run the dishwasher or wash some fruit. Since we are over 70% made of water, we think that it is essential to consider some whole house water filtration system reviews. Only in doing so can we show the right respect for our bodies which we should treat as our own temples.
How Does It Work?
It is very easy to understand why drinking water to lose weight is so efficient. First of all, drinking water throughout the day will help you reduce your snacks as you will feel full most of the time. The effects of water on weight loss have been studied by a large number of scientists. According to some studies, drinking water on a regular basis will aid your digestion and will speed your weight loss. Furthermore, drinking cold water will make your body produce more energy in order to heat the water at body temperature. In a study which included both men and women, cold water proved to be very helpful in weight loss. In order to provide the energy for heating the water at body temperature, men burned fats while women burned carbohydrates.
How to Increase Your Water Intake
According to various studies, an adult man should drink 3,7 liters per day while an adult woman should drink about 2,7 liters. However, these numbers are general as a body’s need for water varies according to different parameters. Still, you should try to drink at least the recommended quantity.
Quick tips to increase water intake:
- If that quantity seems too much for you, try to split it during the whole day. Drinking water throughout the day will make you feel full, thus diminishing your desire for snacks.
- You could also try to drink a glass of water before each meal and then each time you feel hungry. Drinking before eating will make you consume fewer calories.
- Replacing sweetened drinks with water will make a difference in the long run as well. You will be more hydrated and you will lose weight easier.
- Set reminders on your phone to drink water. Some apps even allow you to store how much water you have already drunk and they indicate the amount you should consume until the end of the day. Do a little research and you will be surprised to see how technology can help you hydrate to reach your health and weight loss goals.
Don’t Exaggerate
Drinking more than the recommended quantity of water can help you lose weight faster but you shouldn’t exaggerate. You may find this hard to believe, but drinking too much water can cause an electrolyte imbalance or some sort of kidney damage. Usually, the body has its own way of telling you when you are causing an unbalance. If drinking too much water makes you feel sick you should go back to the recommended quantity.
Consuming Too Much Water – Listing the Side Effects
In the following, we will list some common or unusual side effects that accompany overconsumption of water. While the benefits of hydrating can be numerous and wonderful, especially for your body shape, the side effects are scary and dreadful. Thus, stay away from an exaggerated consumption, or else you might be confronted with any of the following symptoms:
- Pressure on the heart – When you overdo it with water consumption, the blood volume inside your body increases to dangerous levels. This causes an unnecessarily large amount of pressure to be put on your heart, and there exists a slight but horrid chance you might suffer a stroke.
- Hyponatremia – This disease is caused by insufficient sodium levels, and it manifests by causing an increased swelling of body cells. As you develop hyponatremia, you will start vomiting, feel nauseous and fatigued, and you could even start feeling disoriented.
- Chest pain – In case the excess water causes the potassium concentration in your body to dip, you could start feeling unbearable chest pains. Other symptoms you might be confronted with include irritations and leg pain.
- Excessive urination – It is normal to urinate more than you usually do when you increase your water intake. However, if you do not increase it to proper levels, you will develop excessive urination which manifests by feeling an almost constant need to use the bathroom.
