Does water really make a difference?

erin023

I was recently told by a nurse that it actually doesn't matter if you drink 8 cups of water a day, that as long as you're eating plenty of fruit & vegetables that you're getting all the liquids you need.

I have a really hard time drinking anything, let alone water. I just don't think to do it and I don't like how full it makes me feel. I could probably put myself on a schedule of some kind, like a glass of water per hour if I knew it would really help my weight loss...

curvykim78

I don't ever get my water in for the day!~

Dad_of_3

Yes, yes, yes. Water makes a huge difference. And no, fruits and veggies, while wonderful to eat, especially in their raw states (if cleaned properly), they are not water replacements. Water helps pull toxins out of your body, flush out excess sodium and potassium (electrolyte balance) among other things. When you run, you use up water during the run, and water is utilized for cellular repair post-run (or weight training, whatever). If you do not replace that water, you run the risk of dehydration. Also, and this is especially true for women, drinking water prevents urinary tract infections when the body sweats out water.

I used to not drink water - I thought it was nasty. Now I crave it.

Runs off to get a water refill...

redscylla

I don't have any medical qualifications to say it makes a difference, but it makes a huge difference to me. I feel soooo much better when I drink plenty of water. Also, it means I don't have to watch my salt intake like a hawk, because I know I'm providing my body with enough water to flush out excess. That said, I have a desk job, so it's easy for me to just sip at a bottle of water all day long without getting that sloshy full feeling.

Krisengel

I will weigh a couple of pounds more after a day of not getting enough water. It seems my body is happy with 6 glasses of water, unless I've been extra active or it's really hot outside. Try adding something like crystal light (only 5 cal) to change up the flavor. I sip on water all day, so I hardly ever drink a whole glass at one time. That might help your feeling of being too full. Good luck!

gazaar

Water DOES make a difference, not only for hydration, but also for cutting cravings. Cold Water is best for re-hydration, and luke warm water best for warding off cravings...

bcampbell54

Yes, if you're thirsty.

meglynne1987

it makes a huge difference for me. I am less hungry and less likley to overeat if i can get my water in.

23Missy

I believe that water does make a difference. For the last 20yrs I've ALWAYS read to drink lots of water. You hear it from dr.s and any diet program. I think it one it helps to clean you out and two it also helps to keep you full.

bpwparents

I can only speak for myself, so YES!!!! I'm fuller and feel better over all. This is coming from someone who hardly ever drank water. I have a cup with a straw on my desk all day (yes, crazy but the straw helps).

Illona88

If water makes you feel really full, you are better of taking a sip every couple of minutes, rather than a whole glass every hour.

Put a big glass or a bottle of water right in front of you (so you can see it) and take a sip every time.


And yes, you need water.

fuhrmeister

YES! It is the easiset change I have made that has made teh biggest difference. I carry around a bottle all day. I find I drink more when I walkign down the hall with my water bottle than any other time.

Fairysoul

YES!

Savemyshannon

I was recently told by a nurse that it actually doesn't matter if you drink 8 cups of water a day, that as long as you're eating plenty of fruit & vegetables that you're getting all the liquids you need.

I have a really hard time drinking anything, let alone water. I just don't think to do it and I don't like how full it makes me feel. I could probably put myself on a schedule of some kind, like a glass of water per hour if I knew it would really help my weight loss...

This is actually what I was taught while I was in nursing school too, but I don't follow it myself. It's also important to note that "8 glasses a day" is a guideline and every individual is different. Fruits and veggies may be enough for a 120 pound woman who is in A/C and isn't working hard, but on hot days where you are sweating, or during your exercising, a few strawberries won't be enough to replenish yourself.

I had to put myself on a water schedule as well at first, but after a while it becomes second nature. If you don't like the taste, you can add flavor. I use tea bags, mint and fresh fruit sometimes to add a little flavor to my water. There is also those Mio flavors that a lot of people like, too.

DaBossLady24

Water makes a TON of a difference.

If you're having a lot of trouble, just carry a large (at least 20-32oz) water bottle around with you EVERYWHERE. Guaranteed that you will end up drinking much more than usual. You'll end up in the bathroom much more often, but you'll notice a difference by the end of the first week of drinking 8 cups or more. Less bloated, not overeating as much as usual because you're full, and noticing that you feel much better!

Good luck and drink up! :drinker:

geminigrl622

I think it does make a difference. I drink 10 sips of water each time I drink it and I use a straw which is easier for me vs trying to chug an entire bottle.

Runner50266

Yes!!! When you exercise your body creates metabolic waste. Water is the only thing to flush it out. It also get's your "indoor plumbing' moving right along. You need to drink before you are thirsty. Often hunger is really your body telling you that you are thirsty. Your body will retain water if you don't drink water.

Everything I just said above is what my doctor told me and I have read about it in legitimate periodicals. I'm NOT a health professional so feel free to ask your doctor as well.

Mistyblu08

Yes, yes, yes. Water makes a huge difference. And no, fruits and veggies, while wonderful to eat, especially in their raw states (if cleaned properly), they are not water replacements. Water helps pull toxins out of your body, flush out excess sodium and potassium (electrolyte balance) among other things. When you run, you use up water during the run, and water is utilized for cellular repair post-run (or weight training, whatever). If you do not replace that water, you run the risk of dehydration. Also, and this is especially true for women, drinking water prevents urinary tract infections when the body sweats out water.

I used to not drink water - I thought it was nasty. Now I crave it.

Runs off to get a water refill...

I agree.....try the zero cal vitamin waters to start out....you can also add fruit to tap water ....once you start drinking it on a regular basis you will crave it.....makes me feel so much better....more energy....

mfp_junkie

Drink when you are thirsty. The medical professional that gave you the advise is correct. The 8 glasses of water a day mantra is wrong.

I drink a few glasses of water a day, because I am thirsty, and because it keeps me from eating a bunch of junk. However, I can go en entire day on a couple of cups of coffee and a glass of water at night, and feel just fine.

sarahharmintx

I can be below my goal every single day but if I do not drink my normal amount (70-100 ounces), the scale will not budge.

Bob314159

Sorry - but the drink real water every day is a myth - you can get it from coffee, vegetables, food, etc.

I think the research was supported by the bottled water companies

http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp

http://www.npr.org/2008/04/03/89323934/five-myths-about-drinking-water

I drink anywhere from 4 to 12 glasses a day, depending how may body feels (Not by following a rule)- if I'm walking outside in a heat wave I can easily sweat off 2lbs. I also do not carry water with me, everyone walking around with a bottle and sipping every ten minutes has been brain washed.

minkakross

yes it makes a huge difference most especially to your kidneys which can be damaged by not drinking enough fluids. I learned this the hard way when my doctor thought I was on the brink of kidney failure because I had too much protein in my pee when all the tests were done it was that I wasn't drinking enough (which could still lead to kidney damage). For me water and food are sometimes a trade off, if I drink too much liquid I lose my hunger and feel full but after that scare I'm more careful about making sure if I don't get 64 oz I get as close as I can.

Mistyblu08

I was recently told by a nurse that it actually doesn't matter if you drink 8 cups of water a day, that as long as you're eating plenty of fruit & vegetables that you're getting all the liquids you need.

I have a really hard time drinking anything, let alone water. I just don't think to do it and I don't like how full it makes me feel. I could probably put myself on a schedule of some kind, like a glass of water per hour if I knew it would really help my weight loss...

This is actually what I was taught while I was in nursing school too, but I don't follow it myself. It's also important to note that "8 glasses a day" is a guideline and every individual is different. Fruits and veggies may be enough for a 120 pound woman who is in A/C and isn't working hard, but on hot days where you are sweating, or during your exercising, a few strawberries won't be enough to replenish yourself.

I had to put myself on a water schedule as well at first, but after a while it becomes second nature. If you don't like the taste, you can add flavor. I use tea bags, mint and fresh fruit sometimes to add a little flavor to my water. There is also those Mio flavors that a lot of people like, too.

I heard ....somewhere lol.....that the MIO flavorings cause health issues....I would do some checking before using it.

sjdoman

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/190628-water
This link is to a good post about why water is important for weight loss.

Digby

I was told years ago that if you are 'thirsty' that you are already dehydrated. I am a water hound and always have been. When exercising I drink so much water and I've had people look at me strange for wearing a fuel belt for a 5km run. I like water, it helps me. I have no idea if it makes a difference but I feel better hydrated. When I feel better I make better decisions (in life and food choices) so for me it makes a HUGE difference.

dlwyatt82

Yes, huge, huge difference. If you're used to not drinking enough, it'll take your body a little while to adjust to the change, but it's well worth it in the long run. I drink between 2 and 4 liters of water every day, depending on how much exercise I've done.

Mistyblu08

Sorry - but the drink real water every day is a myth - you can get it from coffee, vegetables, food, etc.

I think the research was supported by the bottled water companies

http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp

http://www.npr.org/2008/04/03/89323934/five-myths-about-drinking-water

anything that is caffeine or carbonated actually dehydrates you.....and I am not sure that it would neccesarily rid you of toxins at that point.....I know my moms doc told her the same thing ...that coffee and diet sodas were just as good as water....I dont believe that....maybe because its been drilled into my head for so long but I know personally I feel better when I drink water rather than those other alternatives

_Elemenopee_

For me it has made a big difference.

In all honesty, if you're looking for ppl to tell you you don't need to drink because you don't want to, then you already have YOUR answer. No answer is right or wrong. Try what works for you. Trial and error. If drinking little to no water has helped you then great. If drinking 8-15 glasses has helped, then also great. Try both for a a few weeks and see how YOU feel and what differences you notice.

Best of luck to you!

senyosmom

yep, sure does! Let me count the ways!!

1) you feel fuller so you eat (or overeat) less
2) it flushes out toxins ---- and extra sodium that makes you retain water and therefore weigh more
3) when strength training your muscles get broken down and "repaired" - to repair properly they need and hold water.

GnochhiGnomes

I don't think you need to drink pure water, that's a lie. You can drink herbal teas, coffee, juice and get your recommended water intake per day.

skonly

Drinking water will not help you lose weight. That is an old myth. However you should drink it anyway for other reasons. Your body needs it. I drink a lot because I'm outside in the heat. I don't even track my water because I know it's more than 8 glasses a day unless I don't have any work some days. I fill up a half gallon container when I leave and fill it up at a few houses I visit too.

It will make a difference in how you feel. A lot of people are dehydrated and don't realize it. I live in a hot climate so drinking water is natural.

If you don't like plain water drink tea. Soda's are bad for you, yet I love diet coke. I will not buy any to bring to home, just have one when i'm out every now and then.

Water just helps everything in your body function properly. We are supposed to drink it. There are no rivers or oceans full of sodas.