Water and Weightloss Drink 1/2 ounce of pure water daily for each pound of body weight. This is such a simple and seemingly unreasonable approach, How does it work? Incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in loosing weight and keeping it off. Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true "magic potion" for permanent weight loss. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while and increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here's why: The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When they don't work to capacity, some of their load is dumped on to the liver. One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But, if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it can't operate full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat, and more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold onto every drop. Water is stored in extracellular spaces (outside the cells). This shows up as swollen feet, legs and hands. Diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force our stored water along with some essential nutrients. again, the body perceives a threat and will replace lost water at the first opportunity. Thus, the condition quickly returns. The best way to overcome the problem of water retention is to give your body what it needs--plenty of water! Only then will stored water be released. If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess SALT may be the blame. Your body will tolerate sodium only in a certain concentration. The more salt you eat the more water your system retains to dilute it. But getting rid of unneeded salt is easy--just drink more water. As it is forced through the kidneys, it takes away excess sodium. Look for hidden salt - cured and processed meats (ham, hot dogs, salami, etc.) and cheeses are the biggest culprits on a low-carb eating plan. The overweight person needs MORE water than the thin one. Larger people have larger metabolic loads. Since we know that water is the key to fat metabolism, it follows that the overweight person needs more water. Water helps to maintain proper muscle tone by giving the muscles their natural ability to contract and by preventing dehydration. It also helps to prevent the sagging side that usually follows weightloss--shrinking cells are buoyed by water, which plumps skin leaving it healthy and resilient.  Water helps rid the body of waste. During weight loss the body has a lot more waste to get rid of, all that metabolic fat must be shed. Again, adequate water helps FLUSH out the waste. Water can help relieve constipation. When the body gets too little water, it siphons what it needs from internal sources. The colon is one primary source. Result? Constipation. However when a person drinks enough water, normal bowel function usually returns. So: - The body will not function properly without enough water and can't metabolize fat efficiently. - To get rid of excess water you must drink more water. - Retained water shows up as excess weight. - drinking water is essential to weight loss. How much water is enough? On the average, a person should drink eight - 8-ounce glasses every day. That is about two quarts. However the overweight person needs an additional 8-ounce glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight. The amount you drink should be increased if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry. If you want an exact formula as to what is right then drink 1/2 OZ. water for every pound of body weight daily. When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally its fluids are perfectly balanced. When this happens, you have reached the "breakthrough point". What does this mean? - Endocrine gland function improves. - Fluid retention is alleviated as stored water is lost. - More fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to metabolize stored fat. - Natural thirst returns. - There is loss of hunger almost overnight. If you stop drinking enough water, your body fluids will be thrown out of balance again and you may experience fluid retention, unexplained weight gain and loss of thirst. To remedy the situation you'll have to go back and force another breakthrough. Remember 8 Glasses a Day can keep the fat away! Drink lots of WATER every day!