"The Benefits of H20"

By Donald S. Robertson, M.D., M. Sc.

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 workload 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 stored in the body and

weight loss stops.

Drinking enough water is the best treatment for Fluid

retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a

threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop. Water is

stored in extra cellular spaces (outside of 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

over come the problem of water retention is to give your body what it

needs---plenty of water. Only then will stored 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 you

system retains to dilute it. But getting rid of un-needed salt is

easy---just drink more water. As it's forced through the kidneys, it

takes away excess sodium.

The overweight person needs more water then 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 maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles

their natural 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 plumps the skin and leaves

it clear and resilient.

Water helps rid the body of waste. During weight loss, the

body has a lot more waste to get rid of---all the metabolized fat

must be shed. Again, adequate water helps flush out the waste.

Water can help relieve 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:

- The body will not function properly without enough water

and can't metabolize stored fat efficiently.

- Retained water shows up as excess weight.

- To get rid of excess water you must drink more water.

- Drinking water is essential to weight loss.

How much water is enough? On the average, a person should

drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day. That's about 2 quarts.

However, the overweight person needs one additional glass for every

25 pounds of excess weight. The amount you drink also should be

increased if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry.

Water should preferably be cold. It's absorbed into the system

more quickly than warm water. And some evidence suggests that

drinking cold water can actually help burn calories.

When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally,

it's fluids are perfectly balanced. When this happens, you have

reached the "breakthrough point." What does this mean?

- Endocrine-gland function improves.

- Fluid retention is alleviated, as stored water is lost.

- More fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to

metabolize stored fat.

- Natural thirst returns.

- There is a loss of hunger almost overnight.

If you stop drinking enough water, your body fluids will be

thrown out of balance again, and you may experience fluid retention,

unexplained weight gain, and loss of natural thirst. To remedy the

situation you'll have to go back and force another "breakthrough."

Does flavored water work OK? Can I drink Cranberry juice? I Need it for my Postate.

Thanks

Yes, but carbonated Water seems to be a problem, there was a thread...it's under food also and called "Can U Feel the Love" by I'll Succeed. There is a carbonation conversation in there, if I'm not mistaken. Hope that helps. Happy researching!

just got your edit...in my opinion, and as you can see I'm not banded yet, cranberry juice should be fine, you may need to water it down, especially after first getting banded, and maybe after fills. Keep researching though, I'm no expert yet!

bumping for Jenna.

Thanks for this post... It really helped to clarify the importance of water in my weight loss journey.

great article! thanks leo. i immediately fot up and drank 16oz. just yesterday i was complaining about my slow metabolism, hopefully this will help

Leo,

Thanks for a GREAT aticle on the benifits of drinking large amounts of water!!! I like and drink lots of water and I remember reading some good stuff about it But your extensive and precise post is reinspirering thanks again Nick