Wednesday , October 27, 1999
Water helps shed those unsightly pounds  

By drinking in some facts about the benefits of water, you may learn about successfully losing weight and staying fit.

Research indicates that drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day can help with weight loss. Water also can contribute to the success of any exercise program, since dehydration causes fatigue, and many people who are too tired to exercise don't realize they are dehydrated.

According to the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics, water speeds weight loss by surpressing the appetite naturally and helping the body metabolize stored fat. Drinking more water also helps eliminate water retention.

“A common complaint of women trying to lose weight is water retention, so they don't drink water. Yet, when your body senses it is dehydrated, it holds onto every drop — the result is greater water retention,” said Christine Palumbo, RD, member of the Crystal Springs Good Health Advisory Board. “When you drink enough water, the body releases excess water and helps prevent the bloating that is the primary symptom of water retention.”

Stay clear of beverages with caffeine, warns Palumbo, because caffeine acts as a diuretic, robbing the body of water, while sugared drinks contribute to weight gain.

Drinking more water also fits into getting fit. According to the textbook, Exercise Physiology, when athletes are dehydrated by just 4 percent, performance drops by 22 percent. The solution is to drink plenty of water, but don't wait until you're thirsty.

“Thirst is an imprecise indicator of dehydration. By the time you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated,” said Lawrence Ross, M.D.

It's recommended that active adults drink two thirds of an ounce of water daily for each pound of body weight.

Other health information is available through the web site at , www.water.com


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