Does Water Speed Up Your Metabolism?
Our bodies are made up of about 70% water and even though you can survive several weeks without food you won’t survive more than a few days without water.
You need to drink between 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, and more in the hot weather or if you have been doing a lot of physical activity such as exercising or gardening.
A lack of water is not only very harmful to your health but it can also slow down your metabolism. Water is a key ingredient for life and it carries oxygen another vital ingredient for life, into the blood stream. This carries oxygen into the muscles which re energises them and is vital if you are an athlete or have a physically demanding lifestyle.
If you become dehydrated your body will feel sluggish and tired, but also you will start to store water in anticipation of a drought. This water retention will add pounds to your weight, but once you start to drink sufficient water any build up of toxins and excess water will be flushed away.
If you aren’t used to drinking water it may be hard to drink, especially if you don’t feel thirsty. However why not try adding a slice of lemon to turn it into a refreshing drink. You could always try sparkling water for a change and add a few ice cubes.
Lemon is a negative calorie food, which means that it contains so few calories that it needs to use stored calories to digest it. A slice of lemon in a glass of warm water first thing in the morning will give your metabolism a slight boost for the day.
You can be dehydrated and not realise it as you may not always feel thirsty. If your urine is dark this is a sure sign that you need to rehydrate your body immediately.
The kidneys flush out toxins and process water, however if you become badly dehydrated for long periods of time the kidneys become strained and the liver starts to take over this job. One of the main functions of this organ is to convert fat into energy. If the liver is busy processing water it can’t carry out it’s other functions properly, and as a result your body will start to store fat.
Always try and have drinking water nearby, even if you are away from home. You could take a bottle of water with you when you go on a long car journey. Taking frequent sips will keep you hydrated and stop you feeling sluggish. It will also help your concentration which is vital when driving.
Lack of water can not only slow down your metabolism but also affect your memory, concentration, cause dizziness and make you feel tired and lethargic.
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