Obesity
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Water for Weight Loss
167. Water is probably the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off. If you are serious about becoming leaner and healthier, drinking water is an absolute must. Water has a filling effect so that you don’t overeat. A decrease in water intake may cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce the fat deposits in the body by making kidneys and liver function efficiently. Adequate water intake reduces water retention, helps muscles to contract more easily, thereby making the workout more effective and helps prevent sagging of the skin that often accompanies weight loss. A well hydrated body will have greater level of oxygen in the blood stream and will not only burn more fat but will have more energy because of increased oxygen levels.
How Much Water / Liquid?
168. You normally, on average, lose equivalent of 7-8 glasses of water through perspiration, urination, defecation and exhaling. To replenish this loss and for other metabolic functions, an average person needs to drink about 2½-3 litres (8-10 glasses) of water/liquid a day; and more if you exercise, drink alcohol (it causes dehydration) or live in a hot climate to compensate for excessive sweating or for excess weight if you are obese. Water should be drunk slowly in sips (not gulped) at small regular intervals throughout the day and not in 2 or 3 sessions. Drink only minimal amount of water after 7 PM if you don’t want to disturb your sleep by rushing to the bath room during the night.
169. One should not wait until feeling thirsty to drink water. By the time our body sends us the thirst cue, we are already on the pathway to dehydration. One way to determine, if you are getting enough water is to check the colour of your urine. If it is colourless or light yellow, then your water intake is sufficient. If it is medium or dark yellow, more water is required. One very important rule is not to drink water with meals. Drink water about one hour before and after meals. If drunk with meals, it dilutes and drowns your digestive juices / enzymes and only partial digestion takes place. Moreover, excess water taken with meals passes out of the stomach relatively quickly and carries the digestive juices with it and inevitably fermentation and putrefaction follows. Eating and drinking together also leads to bloating.
