About 70%
of an adult's bodyweight is made up of water. Not only is water
needed for digestion and elimination, but it also aids with the distribution
of nutrients in the body.
People who drink too little water may become constipated. The bowel
requires water to move waste product and function correctly. Many overweight
people suffer from chronic constipation which could easily be normailsed
with regular water intake.
Water retention and bloating, two of the main side-effects of weight
gain, are generally caused by dehydration.
When the body senses it is dehydrating, it holds on to the water it
has resulting in swollen tummies and ankles.
It may sound contradictory, but, if you want to reduce
water retention - drink more water.
Its also a proven fact that fatigue and mood swings can be the result
of too little water in the body.
If a person does not drink enough water
the harsh South African climate will dehydrate the body in no time due
to perspiration.
This problem is worsened when one exercises in the summer heat. And
we all know that a regular exercise programme is essential for health
and weight management.
Importantly too, very often when the body is craving something to eat
is simply asking for water. Don't ignore the signals, have
a few glasses of water and you may find that hunger disappears.
To maintain weight and general health, we recommend drinking at least
8 glasses of water a day.