Thursday, January 27, 2011

WATER


It’s that time of year again. Many of us are trying to lose weight that we have picked up over the holidays or maybe lose fat we have gained over the course of several years. Whatever the case, I would like to pass on a few words about a nutrient that will play a large roll in our future fat loss success.

Water

Approximately 50 to 70 percent of the adult human body is composed of water. Water is essential to life. We must stay adequately hydrated if we are to remain healthy. Understand that our bodies do not store excess water (unless in survival mode) so we need to replenish fluids. Every day on average our body loses the equivalent of 6-12 cups of water, which must be replaced.

When dieting one of the primary functions of water is to carry nutrients and waste from one part of your body to another. Increased water intake while dieting will help lower the toxic load on both your kidneys and liver, and will allow them to function more efficiently. This aids in the breakdown of fat deposits.

A fat loss program includes exercise. We all perspire during exercise thus another reason to make sure we stay properly hydrated.

Water suppresses the appetite naturally which gives the dieter an additional reason to drink water.

Avoid this related dieting pitfall…. It is not uncommon for a person to lose “water weight” especially if he/she is on a high protein diet. Obviously this can be very unhealthy. We need to remember the goal is to lose excess fat not water or muscle. So, don’t be fooled by temporary water loss.

Remember the daily amount of water intake always depends on an individual’s size, body composition and activity level.

Keith Payne
Certified Sports Nutritionist




Functional Strength Systems representatives are not engaged in rendering medical advice, and the contents of this article are not intended to take the place of such advice. Please consult a physician or physical therapist before starting any physical fitness program.

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