If you have been struggling with healthy weight maintenance, the chances are that there is something you are not doing right. Perhaps you have been working out, but your diet has been a letdown. It could be that you have been eating the right meal portions, but they are not healthy meals. Most importantly, you may be exercising and eating well but leaving something out; water.
Water is an essential element, and our bodies depend on it significantly for maximum health and fitness. In addition, water keeps you hydrated and plays a huge role in crucial processes and functioning of your body. If you are an athlete or into fitness, studies have shown that water is the most critical sports nutrition. Here are some reasons why drinking water should be a top priority in your fitness journey.
Helps to Reducing Bloating
A boated stomach is not only uncomfortable, but also, it makes it hard for you to work out. Bloating will make you change your outfit because your favorite pants or dress does not fit anymore. This issue is mainly as a result of poor indigestion, hormones’ fluctuations or excessive sodium intake. Ideally, bloating can be in the form of gas or holding water. However, that does not mean that you should not drink more water. Water has proven to be an effective remedy for bloating because drinking water in plenty helps to jump-start the flushing process. It helps to minimize salt retention and lubricates the colon to speed up the elimination of foods, causing the bloating.
Speeds Up Weight Loss
Studies have shown that water intake speeds up the weight loss process. You are advised to take at least one glass of water before a meal to help reduce appetite. This will keep your meal intake in line because you will not eat more than you should. Also, water helps to improve digestion and metabolism. Hunger is all a mindset, and in most cases, people tend to mistake thirst for hunger. You may eat more than enough because your mind makes you believe that you need the food to keep going while in the real sense, you need to take a glass of water and you are good to go. Hydration helps in portion control, and as you know, weight loss is more of what you eat plus workouts.
It is highly recommended that you take a glass of water when you feel fatigued before thinking of reaching out for a snack. This might change your mind, and you will realize that you did not need the food in the first place.
By speeding up digestion and metabolism, your body excretes wastes fast, which is another great way to speed up weight loss.
Improved Digestion
Losing weight and staying fit is next to impossible when you have a problematic digestive system. Dehydration will negatively impact digestion and may cause constipation. To improve the digestive system’s functionality, be sure to take at least eight glasses of water in a day. This water together with soluble fiber from your meals, increases stool bulk and reduces transit time, making it easier for your body to excrete waste. If you are dehydrated, your body takes water from stool, hence constipation.
Hydrating Promotes Sweating
Sweating is important for athletes and bodybuilders. Your body generates a lot of heat when working out. You start to feel worn out after exercising for long. Working out especially during hot temperatures, makes your body to heat up and it should respond with sweat. You should be able to regulate the temperature, especially if you are working out in a heated room or warm outdoor weather. This is where sweating comes in to cool you down. Sweating prevents overheating, and in return, you can work out for an extended period. Sweating is also important as it helps you with gripping. When your palms are moist, it is easier to lift the equipment for a better workout experience. To most individuals, sweating is an indication that they are on the right track, and it keeps them motivated to keep going. Without proper hydration, your body will not have excess fluids to excrete, and you will certainly have a hard time working out.
Drinking lots of water is crucial for fitness and weight loss. Nonetheless, make sure that your drinking water is safe and healthy to drink to avoid health complications.
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