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Water Facts
From the "Snowbird Diet" by Donald S. Robertson, M.D., M.Sc.

Water may be the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies show that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.

The reason being that the kidneys cannot 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 usable energy for the body. When the liver is busy assisting the kidneys, it cannot operate at full out. As a result the liver metabolizes less fat, with more fat remaining in the body and weight loss stops.

WATER RETENTION: Drinking water is the best treatment for water retention. The body is survival orientated when it gets less water it perceives this as a threat and stores the water. Water is stored in extracellular spaces (outside the cells) thus we have swollen feet, legs and hands. Diuretics offer a temporary solution; however, with the body perceiving it as a threat it will replace the lost water at its first opportunity.

HOW MUCH WATER?
The average person should drink ten, 8-ounce glasses every day. An overweight person is advised to drink one additional glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight. The overweight person needs more water than the thin person. Larger people have larger metabolic loads. Water being a key factor in fat metabolism requires an overweight person drink more water to metabolize fat. When you exercise more water is required to keep the body hydrated and maintain body temperature.

• Water helps to maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscle their natural ability to contract. It also helps maintain cellular integrity by maintaining a healthy plumpness after fat is aerobically removed.
• During weight loss the body has more waste, water gets rid of the body's waste.
• Cold water is absorbed into the system more quickly than warm water.
• When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally, its fluids are perfectly balanced. When this happens, you have a "breakthrough point." This means:
  -- Endocrine gland (hormonal secretions) 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 is restored
  -- A loss of hunger is experienced

When you stop drinking an adequate amount of water, your body fluids will be thrown out of balance and you may experience unexplained weight gain and loss of thirst. To remedy this situation you will need to go back and force another "breakthrough."

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DEITRICH BENJAMIN | deitrich@standfirmfit.com | 520.272.7593
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