More Water = 1st Step In Weight Loss

There is a direct correlation between how much water your body has and how much percentage of fat you have. Generally, we are made up of at least 65% water. The higher the number the less fat stores we have.

Here is the reason:

If we break down water it is H20 – 2 parts hydrogen 1 part oxygen. The molecular mass of an oxygen atom is 8 times higher than hydrogen making water 11% hydrogen and 89% oxygen. When we drink water we are mainly adding oxygen to our bodies. Oxygen is the element that allows the combustion of fat and is what drives our metabolism (how fast and efficient our cells perform their functions).

Now it must be clarified that drinking water and drinking juices are not the same thing. When the body detects taste the body will assume it is food and it will send the liquid through gastrointestinal tract which does little for hydration. While water is directly absorbed into the bloodstream and increases the hydration level and oxygen availability at the cellular level.

Why soft drinks slow metabolism:

Soft drinks with carbonation are one of the best ways to cause dehydration because they contain phosphoric acid. Acids by definition repel oxygen causing the body's metabolism to work slowly. Even though many of us consider coca cola, carbonated beverages, juices, coffee, etc. to be used for hydration they actually do the opposite. In order to rehydrate the body after any of these drinks we must consume 32 ounces of water per 8 ounces of these mentioned drinks (4:1 ratio). The body becomes dehydrated from these drinks because while getting rid of the excess acidity we will use our water stores to urinate which brings the blood back to an alkaline environment so that the body can perform its daily functions.

The reality is that if someone wants to lose weight their first step is to increase their intake of water. Water significantly increases the metabolism.

How much water do I need to drink?

We calculate the daily water consumption recommended for each person by dividing the weight of the person by the number 16. The result is calculated in 8 ounce glasses of water. For example: if a person weighs 160 pounds and we divide this weight by the number 16 then their daily consumption of water should be 10 – 8 ounce glasses (160lbs. / 16 = 10 glasses). If a person weights 240 pounds their recommended water consumption would be 15 glasses a day (240lbs. / 16 = 15 glasses). As you lose weight, you should also reduce your daily intake of water.

For more information on our weight loss program call our office at 561.313.9117