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Drinking water

Mistapholeezkat
Mistapholeezkat Posts: 80 Member
edited November 2024 in Social Groups
Why is drinking water (a lot of it) so important with the LCHF diet? Does this make our electrolytes low?

Replies

  • Sunny_Bunny_
    Sunny_Bunny_ Posts: 7,140 Member
    I don't drink a lot of water. I just drink when I'm thirsty.
    However, it is more important in the beginning due to water loss from glycogen depletion and from the body flushing out ketones in urine. It does take electrolytes with it and can lead to problem lows with those, but keeping sodium up is a big help with that.
  • KarlynKeto
    KarlynKeto Posts: 323 Member
    edited March 2016
    Hydration is great for so many reasons. It keeps the blood thin, so good for anyone with heart concerns. I drink plenty to also help with metabolism and (hopefully) to reduce saggy skin as I lose weight. It helps with autophagy, the body's process of cleaning itself while in rest. I am sure there are many other great reasons to stay hydrated. As for the common rule to drink X-number of ounces, just do your best and call it good. Do watch your electrolyte when doing low carb.
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    I do not think drinking water is keto related but that proper hydration is key to good health. Kidneys and liver can not filter well if the fluid flow is not high enough.
  • auntstephie321
    auntstephie321 Posts: 3,586 Member
    your body will release a lot of water as you dumb your glycogen stores it will also flush out excess ketones in urine. the drinking of water is to replace what you are losing which can be more than normal in the early stages of switching to low carb.
  • Mistapholeezkat
    Mistapholeezkat Posts: 80 Member
    Thanks everyone!
  • ettaterrell
    ettaterrell Posts: 887 Member
    Sunny_Bunny_ wrote: »
    I don't drink a lot of water. I just drink when I'm thirsty.
    However, it is more important in the beginning due to water loss from glycogen depletion and from the body flushing out ketones in urine. It does take electrolytes with it and can lead to problem lows with those, but keeping sodium up is a big help with that.

    I agree with this, I haven't ever drank a lot of water (I would say 2 bottles is a lot for me) and have lost just fine. How ever I do think it would help my skin if I could drink it.. I'm just never thirsty.
  • slimzandra
    slimzandra Posts: 955 Member
    I'm going to chime in with the same thoughts. I've read blogs about drinking gallons and gallons of water a day. Frankly, I think those folks just like to hang out in the bathroom. :D

    I think the rule of thumb is still if your urine is light yellow, you are in the zone. Darker - you need more water. Clear - you are drinking too much. I drink a bit more when I exercise, just cause I get thirsty. Following that, it becomes pretty straightforward.
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