How Hydration Can Help Weight Loss
Lemon water seems to be all the rage these days. More and more people are flocking to this tangy treat and swearing by daily consumption. The reason why lemon water is being associated with weight loss is two-fold. It has to do with hydration and the ingredients in the actual lemons. It is no secret that water has been tied to weight loss, so adding more water into your daily routine is a good habit for most people. The average person should drink between half an ounce and an ounce of water for each pound they weigh. If they weigh 150 pounds, that will mean drinking between 75 and 150 ounces of water every day.
The reason why water is so heavily tied to weight loss is because it improves the digestive system to help the body eliminate fats more efficiently. Essentially, drinking water will help “flush out” your system. It also reduces fluid retention and can decrease your appetite. In particular, drinking warm water in the morning can help you lose belly fat because it breaks down the fat in the body and converts them into molecules, which are easier for the digestive system to burn.
What Does Lemon Water Do to Your Body?
Adding some lemon to your daily water drinks can be even more beneficial for your weight loss journey and your body as a whole. Lemon water is both healthy and delicious, and it can help your body in the following ways:
- It balances your pH levels.
There is some evidence that shows lemon water to have an alkalizing effect, which means it can neutralize stomach acid and reduce acid reflux. This is important because the cells in your body must maintain proper alkalinity in order to function and survive. An acidic state can lead to a lack of oxygen at a cellular level.
- It is a diuretic.
Lemons contain potassium, which is a diuretic. This means it is a substance that encourages urination. Diuretics help rid your body of sodium and water, and they help your kidneys release more sodium into urine. Sodium takes with it water from your blood and decreases the amount of fluid that flows in your veins and arteries.
- It boosts your immune system.
Lemons are packed with vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, iron, calcium, fiber, and potassium. All of these nutrients help boost the immune system, which helps your body fight viral infections and sore throats.
- It aids in digestion.
Lemon juice loosens the toxins that float around your GI tract, which alleviates painful symptoms that can come with indigestion. Lemon juice can also reduce your risk of burping and bloating, which can occur because of an excess of gas production in the gut.
- It can improve your skin.
If you are passionate about your skincare, you are probably aware of the positive impact that collagen can have on your skin. Lemon water can increase the amount of collagen in the skin, which will mean you have fewer wrinkles and less of the toxins and bacteria that lead to breakouts.
- It can boost your metabolism.
If you begin your day with a nice, warm glass of lemon water, it can boost your metabolism and put your body into a calorie-burning mode early in the day. This is because it enhances the body’s mitochondrial function and induces thermogenesis, which is the dissipation of energy through the production of heat.
For more weight loss tips, call Soza Weight Loss at (504) 475-9817 or contact us online.