Wed, Jun 10, 2009 By Blythe

 

Drinking Water to Lose Weight – How Water Effects Weight Loss

 

After reading the book Turn up the Heat by Dr. Philip Goglia, I am even more convinced that at least 50% of our population operates in a habitually dehydrated state. This dehydrated state, ultimately shuts down metabolism and makes it very difficult to achieve our fat loss goals. There are three simple reasons why drinking water and weight loss go together:

• Water makes up 75% of our body.
• Fat burning takes place under heat.
• We all have a hydration thermostat that is regulated by water.

With the basic knowledge of the role water plays in our body, we must implement new ideas and REASONS to drink more water. One of my favorite analogies is this: water is the oil to our body’s machine. To ensure a properly running machine, it must be maintained and oiled! Since so much of our body’s mass consists of water, it makes it even more important to ensure that the body’s needs for this are met. I have listed some of the important tasks water performs:

• Water enables transportation of nutrients to cells
• Water is the stabilizer for blood viscosity (“thickness of blood”)
• Water is responsible for extortion of toxins and waste
• Water maintains equilibrium of electrolytes
• Water manages body temperature like a thermostat through perspiration and sweat that allows for regulation of fat and carbohydrate use.

Ideally, up to one ounce of water per pound of bodyweight is advised, although recommendations by many medical practitioners, doctors and health care providers is only eight 8oz. glasses of water (64oz.total) per day. Following the guidelines of such limited water intake could result in STORAGE of fat… the opposite of our set objective! The body’s survival strategy, when not supplied with adequate water quantities, is to store fat subcutaneously (under the skin) as insulation to maintain a consistent core temperature. Our bodies are fat hoarding machines!  This holds true even if you are entirely on target with your food program. After reading this book I can STILL strongly recommend that the best way to kick off a new food program is by guaranteeing that you are first drinking enough water.