Hydration and Weight Management: One Piece of the Puzzle
How can water promote weight management?
At all times, your body is composed of approximately 60% water. Prioritizing drinking water has supported many people through their weight loss journeys, as staying hydrated is a critical component to sustainable weight management. Along with regular exercise and a nutrient-dense diet, water can provide your body with the support needed to create healthy lifestyle changes. As we move through our days, there are many things that can contribute to fluid loss including sweating, breathing, and using the bathroom. It’s essential to replenish those fluids to aim towards optimizing your well-being.
There are several reasons why intentional water intake may support your weight loss:
- Appetite control
Sometimes our brains can mistake hunger for thirst. Drinking enough water may help reduce the likelihood of overeating. People have found that opting for a glass of water before meals can help increase feelings of satiety (fullness).
- Increase metabolism
Drinking hydrating fluids like water helps your body effectively process nutrients and convert them into energy. This can help support your metabolic functions.
- Improve digestion
Water provides the body with proper hydration which keeps things moving smoothly. Adequate hydration allows the body to function normally, which can support your weight loss goals.
- Supports exercise performance
Proper hydration is crucial to optimize physical performance. During exercise and post-exercise, your body needs water to lubricate the joints, deliver nutrients throughout the body, and regulate body temperature. This will support more effective workouts, which can directly impact weight management.
- Promotes balanced fluid levels
Staying well-hydrated helps maintain fluid balance throughout the body. You can support metabolic functions through electrolytes. Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium can reduce the risks for muscle cramps, fatigue, or water retention and bloating. There are great electrolyte supplements to utilize if needed. Brands including LMNT, Ultima, and Re-Lyte are all wonderful choices for electrolyte supplementation. There are many electrolytes on the market. It is important to mindfully look at the ingredients to ensure there is no added sugar, which can contribute to weight gain if not carefully accounted for.
- Detoxification
Water aids waste and toxins to eliminate through urine, sweat, or other processes. An adequately hydrated individual can more efficiently reduce toxins throughout the body, which supports overall health and can assist in weight management.
Drinking adequate water is important for many reasons. When looking at how hydration can affect weight management, it is important to note that it is a personal journey. Here at Protea, we prioritize an individualized approach to care. Maintaining hydration is only one piece of the puzzle. There are many other healthy habits that can support you reaching your goals. Some examples include eating a nutrient-dense diet, getting regular exercise, prioritizing sleep, and practicing mindfulness including stress resiliency techniques. Listen to your body, and keep the water bottle nearby!