Optimize Hydration Levels

Drinking water plays a key role in losing weight.

If you ever find yourself stuck in a weight loss plateau despite following a strict exercise and diet regiment, then it could be that you're not drinking enough water.

Studies have shown that many people suffer from mild or severe dehydration, and you could be affected as well..

Your body requires water for various biochemical processes. The following are the benefits of drinking water:

*Water assists  the body in the conversion of fat reserves into energy. When the body is dehydrated, the body's metabolism processes are slowed down and this impedes the breakdown of fats in the body, and your weight loss curve hits a plateau.

* Water naturally holds back your appetite. The hypothalamus region in your brain serves the role of controlling cravings and appetites. The control centers for thirst and appetite are situated right next to each other. This means that drinking enough not only quenches your thirst, but takes away the feelings of hunger as well.

A study by Washington University found that drinking a glass of water before bed reduces mid-night cravings.

*Water also helps in the prevention of sagging skin, which is a common side effect of weight loss. It gives the skin a healthier and youthful look by helping in the reconstruction of destroyed skin cells.

* Water is effective in dealing with constipation. If the body does not get enough water, it is compelled to siphon it from it's internal reserves, normally the colon, resulting in constipation. Normal bowel function will resume when the body gets adequate water.

*In general, mild dehydration leads to a number of health complications. Mild dehydration is characterized by the following symptoms: fatigue, cravings, headaches, and constipation.

However, as soon as you get the water in balance, you achieve what is known as the breakthrough point. At this point, as fluid retention in the body eases, the liver and endocrine systems start to operate more effectively, helping to reinstate your natural thirst and curb cravings.

This naturally results in heightened metabolism rates, which facilitate the breakdown and loss of fat in the body.

In conclusion, the above benefits clearly show the importance of drinking water. You should really make drinking water a habit. It should not only be done when you are thirsty. Thirst, itself, indicates dehydration. As a rule of thumb, 8-10 glasses a day is a good rule. If you are exercising, I would recommend a glass every 15-20 minutes.