Staying Hydrated: Weight Loss & Other Benefits of Drinking Water

Are you looking for weight loss solutions or generally for a way to approach being healthier? Staying hydrated is an important step to maintaining your overall health and supports weight loss!As a registered dietician working with weight loss in Newport, Sara from Deimler Chiropractic is here to talk about water.

Of course, it’s a known fact that drinking plenty of water is important for hydration, especially in hot, humid weather. Water can also be a safe, effective way to help if you are trying to lose weight. Water is responsible for many of the healthy processes in the body, but most Americans fall short on meeting their water needs from day to day. Here are just a few reasons why to grab that extra glass.

1. Water curbs hunger and promotes a feeling of fullness. The body’s thirst center in the brain, the hypothalamus, also works to regulate appetite. When you are thirsty, your body can sometimes receive “mixed messages” and make you think you are hungry! So, drink some water first to see if you really are hungry.

2. Water helps keep your mind sharp. Water helps transport oxygen to the brain. Even mild dehydration can impact your cognitive performance, mess with your mood, and make you feel tired. Water can help to wake us up and make us sharper than a cup of coffee in the morning. 

3. Water helps power your workout. Drinking enough water throughout your exercise helps to prevent your muscles from cramping and like above, it carries oxygen to the muscles for them to work harder. Be mindful of weight lost during exercise – it is recommended to drink about 16 ounces for every pound lost during exercise since this is mainly related to water losses through sweat. 

4. Water helps keep you regular. From start to finish, water keeps your digestive system running smoothly. If you are trying to get more fiber in your diet, make sure to drink enough water since too much fiber without water can cause everything to run too slowly and cause constipation. Drinking enough water is also just as important to keep our kidneys and bladder healthy – those who are chronically dehydrated are at higher risk for kidney stones, bladder infections, as well as higher risks for bladder and bowel cancers. 

5. Water helps you save on calories.Drinking liquid calories like juice and regular soda only provide calories. Water is calorie free! If you prefer something with more flavor, try sparkling water, flavored waters, or create your own infused water. Here are some ideas to get you started: 

a. Citrus Mint – Fresh mint leaves, grapefruit slices, lemon slices and cucumber slices 

b. Watermelon Basil – Fresh basil leaves and sliced watermelon 

c. Blackberry Mint – Fresh mint leaves and mashed blackberries 

d. Blueberry Orange – mandarin oranges (cuties/halos/clementines) and mashed blueberries 

e. Pear Vanilla – Sliced fresh ginger root, sliced pear, whole vanilla bean, cinnamon stick

Are you interested in learning more about nutrition and finding support for your weight loss journey in Newport? Call Deimler Chiropractic today at (717) 567-3158 to schedule an appointment with our registered dietician!