The Surprising Science Behind Drinking Water and Weight Loss
Are you struggling to lose weight? Have you tried every diet and exercise plan out there, but you can’t seem to shed those extra pounds? You might be missing one simple ingredient in your weight loss journey: water. Now, it’s not enough to just rely on water, but the fact that your body is 60% water means we need to replenish it, and often. Staying hydrated is the only thing you need to do to lose weight, but it can help accelerate the process.
How Our Bodies Use Water
Water is often touted as the elixir of life. Beyond being a fundamental component for survival, it plays a pivotal role in virtually every aspect of our body’s function.
1. Cellular Function
Every single cell in our body relies on water to function. Water provides the medium for various enzymatic and chemical reactions in the body. It moves nutrients, hormones, antibodies, and oxygen through our blood and lymphatic systems, ensuring that our cells receive what they need to function properly.
2. Temperature Regulation
Ever wonder why you sweat when it’s hot? Sweating and the release of water is one of our body’s primary methods of cooling down. As sweat evaporates from the skin’s surface, it helps to regulate our internal body temperature.
3. Digestive System
Water is an essential component of saliva, which aids in the digestion of food. It also plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth movement of food through the digestive tract. Furthermore, water aids in the chemical breakdown of food, allowing nutrients to be absorbed and used by the body.
4. Detoxification
Our kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste from the bloodstream. These toxins are then expelled from our bodies through urine. Adequate water intake ensures that our kidneys function efficiently, preventing the build-up of waste and toxins.
5. Joint Lubrication
Our joints are buffered by synovial fluid, which is primarily composed of water. This fluid reduces friction, allowing smooth movement. Without sufficient water, the risk of joint wear and discomfort increases.
6. Protection
Water acts as a shock absorber in the body. It protects our brain and spinal cord from injury by cushioning these vital organs. It also keeps our eyes moistened and ensures proper functioning of our eyesight.
7. Nutrient & Mineral Distribution
Water-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins, require water for absorption and transportation. Similarly, minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium are distributed throughout the body via water.
8. pH Balance
Our body functions optimally at a slightly alkaline pH level. Water plays a role in maintaining this balance, ensuring optimal enzymatic and metabolic function.
9. Respiratory System
Water moistens the oxygen we inhale and helps with the exhalation of carbon dioxide, facilitating proper lung function.
So, How Does Water Aid in Weight Loss?
Boosts Your Metabolism
Did you know that even just mildly dehydrated individuals can lower their metabolic rate by up to 3%? This is because dehydration slows down the body’s natural processes, including fat burning. By drinking enough water, you can help increase your metabolic rate, which means your body will naturally burn more calories throughout the day. In fact, one study found that drinking 17 ounces of water increased resting metabolic rate by 10-30% for up to an hour!
Helps Curb Appetite
Often, when we think we’re hungry, we’re actually thirsty. This is why drinking water can be helpful for weight loss as it can help curb your appetite and prevent overeating. One study found that drinking about 16 ounces of water prior to a meal resulted in the participants consuming fewer calories during the meal. This can be a simple and effective way to reduce your overall calorie intake.
Helps You Exercise More Effectively
Staying hydrated during a workout can help improve your performance and increase your endurance. If you’re lacking water, your energy levels can suffer, making it harder to push through a tough workout. Drinking water can also help prevent muscle fatigue and cramping, making it easier to exercise regularly and effectively.
Can Help You Lose Body Fat
Water is essential for the body to metabolize fat. By increasing your water intake, you can help the body convert fat into energy, resulting in weight loss. One study found that drinking 500ml of water 30 minutes before a meal helped participants lose up to 44% more weight over a 12-week period compared to those who didn’t drink water before meals.
Helps You Stay On Track
Sometimes when we feel like we are hungry, we are actually dehydrated. Drinking more water can help you accurately assess your body’s needs and prevent false hunger pangs. Plus, swapping high-calorie drinks for water can lower your overall calorie intake and help you reach your weight loss goals. Keeping a water bottle with you at all times is an easy way to stay on track and hydrated throughout the day.
Let’s Meet Those Health Goals Together!
As you can see the science behind drinking water and weight loss is clear. By staying hydrated, you can help boost your metabolism, curb your appetite, exercise more effectively, burn body fat, and stay on track with your weight loss goals.
But the quality of your drinking water also matters. By removing toxins, sediments, and other harmful substances and replacing them with essential minerals and nutrients, our bottleless water and ice coolers are top-of-the-line hydration stations. We don’t just help hydrate 600K people across the Midwest; we make sure they can reach their health goals. So, if your company wants to see happier, healthier employees, start with their drinking water. Contact Office H2O today for a free 7-day trial.
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