Drinking Water at Just the Right Time is Key to Losing Weight
We always hear about how drinking water is the key to good health. But many are confused about how much water is necessary. The 8 glasses a day rules is a good start, but some people find that a ½ gallon of water is too much for them. Your individual water needs depend on your general health, how active you are and the climate where you live. And don’t forget that food is a source of liquid as well, fruits and vegetables add water to your diet and can be more filling, nutritious and better tasting.
The key to losing weight by drinking water is to drink it at the best times during the day.
Read on to find out what is the best time in the day to drink water in order to maximize its effectiveness on your body.
- After waking up
Drink one glass of water after waking up to help activate your internal organs. The water will help to remove any toxins before your first meal of the day. - Before a meal
Drink one glass of water 30 minutes before a meal to help digestion. Remember not to drink too soon before or after a meal as the water will dilute the digestive juices. Drink water an hour after the meal to allow the body to absorb the nutrients. - Before a bath
Drink one glass of water before taking a bath to help lower your blood pressure. - Before sleep
Drink one glass of water an hour before bedtime to replenish any fluid loss that can occur during the night.
Health benefits of water
Your body is mostly made up of water, which make up about 60% of your body weight. You must have water to survive. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly.
Water does the following to your body:
- Gets rid of wastes
- Keeps your temperature in check
- Lubricates and cushions joints
- Protects sensitive tissue
Lack of water can lead to dehydration — a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to function properly. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.
Too much water can lead to water intoxication — a disruption of brain function from drinking too much water. Drinking too much water increases the amount of liquid in your blood.
This can dilute the electrolytes, especially sodium. Sodium helps balance fluids between the inside and outside of cells. When sodium levels drop, fluid shifts from the outside to the inside of cells, causing them to swell. When this happens to brain cells, it can produce dangerous and potentially life-threatening effects.
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