Explain ... Water

Mveler
Mveler Posts: 274 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Ok, I know we need to drink water to help with sodium and dehydration. However, from what I read, water seems to be a common topic. How much is too much? What all does it do for you?

Silly question? Maybe, but I think a question unasked is silly.

Replies

  • trainguy917
    trainguy917 Posts: 366 Member
    Water does a lot of things. It cleans toxins out of your system, helps keep you regular, keeps your skin moist and supple, helps with digestion, and some studies suggest it can even flush fat out of your system (though those are far from conclusive).

    It is possible to get too much water, but it takes a good bit. I drink up to a gallon a day in summer, though if I'm sweating a lot, I put lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a quart of water to help keep my electrolytes in balance.
  • pnieuw
    pnieuw Posts: 473
    Water does more than just flush sodium. It is a key factor in keeping your body running smoothly. It aids in cooling. It is an important part of healthy digestion, and a healthy colon. As you eat fiber, you need enough water in your system for the fiber to absorb, and without getting to graphic, to keep things moving along. A happy colon makes for a happy person!

    Water also is important to help in the removal of toxins, etc. from your body. Your liver and kidneys filter everything, and enough water ensures they do a good job.

    It is unlikely you can drink too much water. You'd have to drink a huge quantity in a short time to cause damage. There have been cases of people getting sick and even dying from too much water, but we are talking gallons of it within a very, very short time frame.

    I aim for several glasses a day, and find that the more water I drink the easier and faster the weight comes off. I like to think the water is washing away the fat!

    Good luck!
  • Janet39
    Janet39 Posts: 280 Member
    It helps your body to rid its self of waste products quickly and efficiently. Which is good for weight loss.

    It hydrates you, keeps your skin plump, so less wrinkles.

    Helps you think better, stops you feeling sluggish, the list is endless.

    I aim for 2 ltr of liquid per day, plus extra for exercise and extra for hot weather.
  • Mveler
    Mveler Posts: 274 Member
    When you have a "bad day, diet wise" people say Drink extra water. Purpose?
  • AngieM76
    AngieM76 Posts: 622 Member
    When you have a "bad day, diet wise" people say Drink extra water. Purpose?


    I think this is to flush your body of the extra sodium one normally consumes when having a bad day or a cheat day.
  • nickyevans
    nickyevans Posts: 216 Member
    "When you have a "bad day, diet wise" people say Drink extra water. Purpose? "

    Because a bad day often includes processed and junk foods that are high in sodium which will increase the likelihood of water retention, by drinking plenty of water you will reduce the affect much more rapidly I believe.
  • stormieweather
    stormieweather Posts: 2,549 Member
    Also, it helps you feel full. Drink a large glass of water 15 minutes before your meal and you'll feel satisfied quicker. Often, when you think you're hungry, what you are really feeling is thirsty. Drink a glass of water, and if you're still feeling thirsty 15 minutes later, then you are truly hungry.

    Dehydration (too little water) is an unpleasant situation. Once you're feeling "thirsty", you're already mildly dehydrated. Dry mouth, cramps, headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, and heart palpitations are all signs of dehydration. Just make sure you're drinking enough and you can eliminate this occurring!
  • Mveler
    Mveler Posts: 274 Member
    Makes sense, thank you.

    So if on a normal day I drink my 64oz of water (which I am just now getting used to)
    If I had a bad day the day before I should shoot for doubling that?

    Sorry but I have never been this interested in any one thing :) So I ask a lot of questions.

    Knowledge is Power.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Here is a good explanation from the Mayo Clinic web site of how much water is needed daily and why.

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283
  • Mveler
    Mveler Posts: 274 Member
    Thanks Bcattoes

    That brings another question.

    I have a scale that shows my hydration level. It fluctuates around 21%

    According to this site link "makes up about 60 percent of your body weight"
    Does this mean that the number should read 60 % when I finally get to the right spot?
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    If you have a bad day, I wouldn't say that you should shoot for doubling that.. that's 16, 8 oz glasses of water.. and that's a lot.

    I drink about the same amount as you(two 32 oz water bottles, which is 64 oz) plus a 16 oz water bottle with exercise that puts me at around 10 glasses total for the day.

    So far that has been working for me.. even when I have a bad day.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Thanks Bcattoes

    That brings another question.

    I have a scale that shows my hydration level. It fluctuates around 21%

    According to this site link "makes up about 60 percent of your body weight"
    Does this mean that the number should read 60 % when I finally get to the right spot?

    I'm not sure, but I doubt it. Hyderation level and water body weight may not be the same thing. I don't know the answer to that one though. I just go by if I'm not thirsty and my urine is fairly clear then I'm good. Sorry, I know that's not much help.
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