The Benefits of Drinking Enough Water
As mid-summer approaches and temperatures soar, the topics of water consumption and worry about dehydration come once again to the forefront. Though we may be more conscious of how important water is during the summer, drinking the right amount of water year-round keeps you from retaining water, acts as an appetite suppressant and can improve your workouts—all of which help with weight loss.
Being even slightly dehydrated can cause your body to hold on to its water resources, leading to bloat. Retaining water can be uncomfortable, unsightly and can contribute to additional pounds that, let’s face it, nobody wants around! Drinking plenty of water will promote the loss of water weight and reduce symptoms of bloat. Proper water intake also works to satisfy hunger pangs and can promote weight loss by giving you a feeling of fullness that reduces your urge to snack. Thirst is easy to mistake for hunger, so if you drink a glass of water before you give in to cravings, you can reduce the number of thoughtless calories you consume each day.
Of possibly greater importance, staying well-hydrated lubricates your joints and suffuses your muscles with growth-promoting fluids. Well-lubricated joints reduce your risk of pain and injury while exercising and make it possible for you to work out more regularly as part of your weight loss program. Additionally, there is new information on the horizon that shows an even more direct link between water consumption and weight loss.
Recent scientific studies have revealed compelling evidence that drinking water increases the metabolic rate, also known as the rate at which your body burns calories. A German report indicated that both male and female subjects experienced an average 30% increase in metabolic rate after consuming just 17oz. of water. The researchers forecast that by increasing water intake by 1.5 liters each day, the average person could lose up to 5 additional pounds in a year’s time. Though the effects are modest and the results preliminary, it appears we can consider this another way that water can help you to lose weight.
And in order to reap the amazing benefits of water, it’s important to consider the recommended daily amount of water consumption. On average, a healthy adult male in a temperate environment should consume about 13 cups (3 liters) of water each day, and women should consume about 9 cups (2.2 liters). When hot weather or exercise are part of the equation, your necessary water intake increases. Generally speaking, you should drink an extra 1.5 to 3 cups of water after exercise or during hot, humid weather.
Summer is a great time to get in the habit of drinking your recommended daily amount of water and will help to establish a pattern for the rest of the year that will keep you healthy and boost your weight loss results. Happy drinking!
