HEALTH & FITNESS
sta in• oun
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Fitness And Water
I
ncredible as it may seem, water is quite
possibly the single most important
catalyst in losing weight and keeping it
off. Although most of us take it for granted,
water may be the only true "magic potion"
for permanent weight loss.
Water suppresses the appetite naturally
and helps the body metabolize stored fat.
Studies have shown that a decrease in
water intake will cause the fat deposits to
increase, while an increase in water intake
can actually reduce fat deposits. Here is
why: The kidneys cannot function prop-
erly without enough water. When they do
not work to capacity, some of their load
is dumped into the liver. One of the liver's
primary functions is to metabolize fat into
usable energy for the body. But if the liver
has to do some of the kidneys' work, it can-
not operate at full throttle.
As a result, it metabolizes less fat. More
fat remains stored in the body and weight-
loss stops. Drinking enough water is the
best treatment for fluid retention. When the
body gets less water, it perceives this as a
threat to survival and begins to hold on to
every last drop. Water is stored
in extra cellular spaces (out-
side the cells). This shows up
as swollen feet, legs and hands.
The best ways to overcome
the problem of water reten-
tion is to give your body what
it needs — plenty of water.
Only then can stored water be
released. If you have a constant
problem with water retention,
excess salt may be to blame.
But getting rid of unneeded
salt is easy; just drink more. As
it is forced through the kidneys, water takes
away excess sodium.
Water helps to maintain proper muscle
tone by aiding muscle contraction and by
preventing dehydration. It also helps to pre-
vent the sagging of the skin that usually fol-
lows weight loss. Shrinking cells are buoyed
by water, which pumps the skin and leaves
it clear, healthy and resilient.
Water helps rid the body of
waste. During weight loss, the
body has more waste to get rid of.
All that metabolized fat must be
shed. Again, adequate water helps
flush it out.
Water can help prevent con-
stipation. When the body gets
too little water, it siphons what
it needs from internal sources.
The colon is one primary source.
Results? Constipation. But when
a person drinks enough water,
normal bowel function usually
returns.
How much water is enough? On the aver-
age, a person would drink eight 8-ounce
glasses every day or half their body weight
in ounces. The amount you drink should
be increased if you exercise briskly or if
the weather is hot and dry. Water should
preferably be cold — it is absorbed into the
system more quickly than warm water and
some evidence suggests that drinking cold
water can actually help burn calories.
When the body gets the water it needs to
function optimally, its fluids are perfectly
balanced. When this happens, you have
reached the "breaking point." What does
that mean? Fluid retention is alleviated
as stored water is lost, more fat is used as
fuel because the liver is free to metabolize
stored fat and there is a loss of hunger over-
night.
❑
Lori Burkow, M.Ed., C.P.T., is a recognized master
trainer from the Idea Association and a medical
exercise specialist. The University of Michigan
graduate in exercise science has a master's
degree in education. Since 1990, she has been
a full-time personal trainer at the JCC in West
Bloomfield and other metro locations. Call (248)
760-4108.
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