Drinking water is important for weight loss and health

Water is essential for life, and is essential in adequate quantities for the proper function of the body, as most of the chemical processes that go on, require water as the medium. The human body contains about 70% water by weight, and water is required by virtually every cell in the body, of which there are millions.

Water is required to maintain blood volume, and adequate amounts are necessary for proper kidney function. The kidneys are mainly responsible for flushing out toxins from the body, filtering them from the bloodstream. Without adequate water supply the kidney’s job is partly taken on by the liver, making it less able to carry out its function of fat metabolism as efficiently

The throughput of water in the body is the mechanism for removal of waste products, via the urine, the faeces, and sweat. Efficient throughput of water is essential to maintain health. This is most noticeable in the skin. Drinking plenty of water plumps up the skin, making it look smoother and more uniform. Lack of water exacerbates wrinkles. Part of the deep furrowed line appearance around the mouths of heavy smokers is due to the local drying out of the skin from the heat of the cigarettes and the smoke.

It is recommended that an average adult should drink at least 8 large glasses of water a day, and that someone who is overweight should drink another 8-ounce glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight. Most people don’t drink enough water, and it is therefore a good idea for most people to drink more.

Suddenly increasing your daily water intake may cause a corresponding increase in urinary output at least for a while. It takes time for the body to adjust, but it is beneficial to have the increased throughput which will help flush out toxins, and eventually lead to the body stabilising and consequently tending not to hold on to water. This may mean a reduction in certain areas like swollen ankles, for example.

There is a theory that drinking water cold, is more beneficial for losing weight, since it requires that the body uses energy to warm up the water to body temperature, and this seems to make sense. Drinking sufficient water during the day, at intervals is a good way to help feel full, and is well known as a way of reducing hunger.

Drinking water is a help in reducing your weight whilst keeping healthy. Other kinds of drinks may contribute to your daily intake, but beware less they contain other, less healthy ingredients such as sugar, caffeine, or artificial sweeteners.