Why does everyone tell you to drink plenty of water? But why? You might know very well that our planet Earth’s surface is covered with 70% water or maybe more, but that’s not really the reason to drink a lot of water. The reason why your body needs plenty of water is to maintain its water level. The human body is made of around 50-60% of water. You don’t just drink water for weight loss but also to support various physiological functions.
Such an important component of our body is often looked over and we do not understand the importance of hydration. This article includes the importance of water for the body, how to be hydrated, and how water helps in weight loss.
Pro tip: Drink 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day instead of drinking large amounts of water in one go.
Water plays a crucial role in supporting the functions of our body. It is crucial to drink sufficient amounts of water to ensure the effective functioning of our body. Here is why water is so important for our body.
Water is a major component of cells which provides the necessary environment for biochemical reactions. It helps to transport essential nutrients to cells and also helps to remove the waste product from the body.
Drinking water helps to regulate temperature because it has high heat capacity. Water helps to absorb and retain heat which stabilizes the internal body temperature. The process of sweating and respiration helps to remove the excess heat and cools you down as the body uses water in this process.
Drinking sufficient water will help you with digestion. This helps to break down the food easily and absorb the essential nutrients from food. Saliva in the mouth initiates the digestion process, the saliva is primarily water. Water also produces digestive juices to transport nutrients and bloodstream.
Synovial fluid is responsible for lubricating joints and it also cushions them. This reduces friction and wear of the joints. Water is the key component of synovial fluid which also acts as a shock absorber, protecting vital organs and tissues.
Water helps kidneys to filter blood and remove waste products through urine. Drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated which supports kidney functions and promotes efficient detoxification. Sufficient water in your body helps efficient detoxification and reduces the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Water makes up 90% of blood which makes it crucial for maintaining blood volume and pressure. Drinking sufficient water ensures hydration that can help with the circulatory system that transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Hydration is important for your skin to maintain elasticity. It helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dryness. Healthy skin is more resilient and provides better protection against external irritants.
Water is essential for overall health and drinking sufficient water can also aid weight loss. Here are some ways in which drinking sufficient water for weight loss is effective:
Efficient metabolic activities help to burn calories to lose weight even if you are at rest. Drinking water can help with the process of thermogenesis which means your body burns more calories when you drink cold water. Though the effect of water on burning calories while resting will be temporary, it is a good start in the journey of weight loss.
Drinking enough water can also help with an increased metabolic rate which helps to burn calories at an increased rate by 24-30% for up to an hour.
Drinking plenty of water promotes satiety. This means you can feel fuller for a longer period of time and the need for eating in between meals or at odd times will be reduced. You would not feel the urge to eat frequently which will eventually reduce your calorie intake.
It is good to drink water before every meal so you can avoid overeating. Water doesn't have any calories, you can easily replace high-calorie drinks with water to reduce overall calorie intake.
Proper hydration helps you achieve optimal physical performance. Drinking sufficient water can help reduce fatigue, endurance, and lack of motivation to exercise. This can help you stay motivated to make efforts for weight loss.
Water is a medium to transport nutrients that your muscles need for recovery after exercise which can allow for frequent workout sessions.
Drinking adequate amounts of water can help maintain regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. It also aids in efficient waste removal from the body which otherwise would be a hindrance in weight loss.
Water is an alternative to sugary drinks, alcoholic beverages, and other high-calorie drinks. Replacing such drinks which will not help in weight loss with water could bring out effective results.
Lipolysis is the process of fat burning. The fat-burning process begins with the first step called hydrolysis. It involves the breakdown of fat molecules into fatty acids and glycerol with the help of water molecules.
Water is essential for maintaining various body functions and it also aids weight loss but inadequate amounts in your body could lead to various complications. Here are various effects of dehydration on the body:
How much water should I ideally drink to lose weight?
Ans. Ideally, you should drink around 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day. But everybody’s fluid requirements are different. You can also consult a nutritionist who can help you decide on an adequate amount of water throughout the day.
How to reduce water weight?
Ans. Water weight could be the result of various factors including dehydration. If you want to reduce water weight, ensure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, exercise regularly, and avoid high sodium content foods.