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Look in any weight loss book, fitness video or nutrition program and you’re sure to see they all use the same magic ingredient, water.  We all know it’s good for us, yet it’s the one beverage that most of us consistently avoid drinking on a daily basis.

One of the most amazing benefits of water is that it helps the body metabolize stored fat and acts as a natural appetite suppressant.  Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.  

Here’s why: the kidneys can’t function properly without enough water.  When they don’t work to capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver.  One of the liver’s primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into useable energy for the body.  But, if the liver has to do some of the kidneys work, it can’t 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 drop.  

On the average, a person should drink, eight 8-ounce glasses every day, about 2 quarts.  The amount you drink also should be increased if you exercise at higher intensities or if the weather is hot and dry.

When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally, its fluids are perfectly balanced.  When this happens, you have reached the breakthrough point.  What does this mean?  Endocrine-gland function improves, fluid retention is alleviated as stored water is lost, more fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to metabolize stored fat, natural thirst returns and there is a loss of hunger almost overnight.

Cheryl Broughton is an author, professional speaker, fitness TV show host, director of The Fitness Edge Boot Camp, producer, writer and host of Cheryl Broughton’s Secret Weapons.

For more information, please call 1-888-671-6500 or visit www.FitnessEdgeBootCamp.com .

Santa Clarita Magazine

Santa Clarita Magazine