The importance of drinking water

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The benefits of staying hydrated

Is water good for you? The importance of drinking water has been known for centuries, if not for millennia. Not only do our bodies require this element to carry out essential metabolic processes, but a growing body of evidence suggests that water plays a crucial role in weight loss. Let’s take a look at the importance of hydration as well as some useful takeaway tips if you wish to live a healthier lifestyle.

In Chinese medicine, an imbalance in the element of water can cause lots of adverse health problems such as knee pain, heel pain, lack of libido and low energy. According to Chinese medicine, some of the typical signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dry eyes, are actually consequences of not having enough water in our bodies. Part of the reason for that might be that the sense of thirst diminishes in older people, so they might not even realize that the body needs water.

Our bodies are 60% water and we’re constantly losing water, from evaporation on the skin, from urine and bowel and even from breathing. We lose water more rapidly in hot weather, during exercise or movement that makes us sweat and in higher altitudes.

For maximum health, the body’s water store must be constantly replenished. Sufficient water in the system also helps regulate body temperature, create saliva, smooth out digestion as well as urine and bowel functions.

The benefits of drinking water

How many liters of water per day should you drink?

How many liters of water per day should you drink? This depends upon several factors such as your bodyweight, your levels of activity and even environmental variables such as the temperature and the time of the year. However, it is thought that drinking 2 liters of water per day is the recommended intake for most individuals. This equates to roughly eight recommended cups of water per day.

Tips to remember to drink water throughout the day

Now that we have begun to appreciate the benefits of drinking water, what habits can you adopt in order to develop a healthy routine? One useful strategy is to drink a cup or two of water before every meal. Not only does water aid in digestion, but it provides feelings of satiety (signifying that you will eat less).

Other tips include always having a fresh source of water nearby, placing a cup of water next to your bed and using smartphone apps to track your daily consumption levels. If plain water does not appeal to your tastes, it is possible to purchase naturally flavored water.

Foods Rich In Water

So, what types of water-rich foods should be included within a well-rounded diet? Most experts recommend consuming fruits and vegetables high in water, as these foods also contain a host of essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some tasty options:

  • Watermelons (naturally)
  • Citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruits and oranges
  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes
  • Watercress

The importance of drinking water during every meal should also be kept in mind, and any of the choices mentioned above can be used as either a dessert or a side dish.

Drinking cold water in the morning

Best Types Of Water To Drink

What is the best type of water to drink? Are there any benefits of drinking warm water? Is drinking tap water healthy? These questions deserve a bit more attention.

As mentioned previously, naturally flavored water (such as lemon water) will increase its overall appeal and help you to develop good habits. Mineral water is also recommended, as minerals such as magnesium, calcium and potassium are all present.

Drinking cold water in the morning will provide you with a boost of energy and it may even help your body burn calories. Warm water can help to increase your body temperature during colder times of the year. However, it is best to avoid plastic containers; the chemicals from the plastic can leach into the water.

Reminder Apps

Research has suggested that consuming water at specific times (such as drinking water before bed) may aid in weight loss. The only problem is that we can become forgetful in regard to the benefits of staying hydrated. This is why certain smartphone applications have been designed to help us develop a regular routine. Be sure to check out these apps to learn more:

  • Daily Water Tracker Reminder
  • Hydro Coach
  • Water Minder
  • Aqualert

Not only do these focus upon the importance of drinking water, but they can be easily integrated into your existing fitness regimen.

Drink water weight loss

Does drinking water help you lose weight?

The online search term “drink water for weight loss” has become increasingly popular. However, is there a link between water and losing weight?

Now, a new study conducted in Birmingham, England and published in the academic journal Obesity, looked at whether drinking a glass of water before each meal could help people lose weight. The research study concluded that moderate weight loss could be achieved with what they called “water preloading before main meals”.

What does that mean practically? According to the study, drinking 500 mL (16 oz) of tap water 30 minutes before eating your three main meals will result in eating less and losing weight somewhat effortlessly. It’s similar to the principle behind the Spatz3 gastric balloon which partially fills your stomach and creates a sensation of fullness with much less food.

In addition to whatever weight loss benefits are achieved by drinking a glass or two of water before each meal, there are so many other health benefits that make the practice a great one for everyone to adopt.

It’s also a good idea to include more water-rich foods in your diet, such as those mentioned. And, because they often have more volume than other foods, the water content of these foods, such as cucumbers, watermelon, iceberg lettuce, grapefruit, strawberries, tomatoes and cantaloupe, will naturally help you feel full.

This is even more relevant if you have been fitted with a Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon. You will be able to limit your caloric intake while remaining hydrated at all times. We can now see why the phrase “importance of drinking water” has become so popular throughout the online health community.

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