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 appetite naturally and helps the body
metabolize
stored fat.
Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits
to
increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat
deposits.
Here's why:
The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When they don't
work to
capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver.
One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into
usable
energy
for the body. But, if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it
can't operate
at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat, more fat remains
in
the body and
weight loss stops.
Drinking enough water is the best treatment for water retention. When the
body
gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to
hold onto
every drop. Water is stored in extracellular spaces (outside the cells)
This
shows up
as swollen feet, legs and hands.
Diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force out stored water
along with
some essential nutrients. Again, the body perceives a threat and will
replace the
lost water at the first opportunity. Thus, the condition quickly returns.
The best way to overcome the problem of water retention is to give the
body what
it needs -- plenty of water. Only then will saved water be released.
If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt may be to
blame.
Your body will tolerate sodium only in a certain concentration. The more
salt you
eat, the more water your system retains to dilute it.
But getting rid of unneeded salt is easy -- just drink more water. As
it's
forced
through the kidney, it takes away excess sodium.
The overweight person needs more water than the thin one. Larger people
have
larger metabolic loads. Since we know that water is the key to fat
metabolism, it
follows that the overweight person needs more water.
Water helps to maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their natural
ability
to contract and by preventing dehydration. It also helps to prevent the
sagging skin
that usually follows weight loss -- shrinking cells are buoyed by water,
which pumps
the skin and leaves it clear, healthy and resilient.
Water helps rid the body of waste. During weight loss, the body has a lot
more
waste to get rid of -- all that metabolized fat must be shed. Again
adequate water
helps flush out the waste.
Water can even help constipation. When the body gets too little water, it
siphons
what it needs from internal sources. The colon is one primary source.
Result?
Constipation. But, when a person drinks enough water, normal bowel
function
usually returns.
So far, we've discovered some remarkable truths about water and weight
loss:
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