Losing Weight: The Importance Of Drinking Water Down

Losing Weight: The Importance Of Drinking Water Down Approximately 75% of our total body weight is made up of water. The majority of the water in our body is found within the intracellular space in the cells. When we have more water leaving our body than we are taking in, dehydration sets in. it only takes 1% or 2% dehydration for our cognitive functioning to start being affected. We lose water through our usual bodily processes such as breathing, sweating, urinating and bowel movements.

In any normal day the average person loses approximately 1.5 litres of water through bodily processes, more if they are exercising or it is hotter weather, they have diarrhoea or vomiting, or if they are consuming caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose more water. Therefore we should all be drinking at least 1.5-2 litres of water to replace what we have lost.

What if I'm not drinking enough water?

If it is not replaced and water from within the blood vessels is lost, the body can compensate by shifting water from cells into the blood vessels. However, this is a very short term solution and symptoms of dehydration will come on quickly if the water is not replaced.

By the time the thirst mechanism kicks in the body is quite dehydrated. You can tell whether you are dehydrated by the colour of your urine ~ it should be almost clear or a light straw-colour, if you are dehydrated it will be more yellow or dark yellow in colour.

As the level of water loss increases, more symptoms of dehydration become apparent such as a dry mouth, the eyes stop making tears, sweating may stop, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations and light-headedness (particularly when standing). 

The body tries to maintain the amount of blood being pumped around the body which may mean the heart rate increases, and this causes blood vessels to constrict to maintain pressure. This may begin to fail as the level of dehydration increases. Water is also very important for removing toxins so if we are dehydrated a build-up of toxins occurs.

With severe dehydration, confusion and weakness will occur as the brain and other body organs receive less blood. If it remains untreated then the worst case scenario is coma and organ failure.

Symptoms of mild to severe dehydration:

- Chronic pain in joints and muscles
- Lower back pain
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Strong odour to your urine along with a yellow or amber colour
- High thirst
- Rapid weight loss
- Dry mouth and adhesive saliva
- Reduced urination
- Fatigue
- Cold hands and feet
- Increased heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in behaviour such as increased fear, embarrassment and inattention
- Decreased ability of short term memory and concentration
- Dizziness

If you're not used to drinking a lot of water it will take some adjusting, especially as you will be going to the loo a lot more! And if you don't like water then try to avoid adding sugary squash, instead try squeezing lemon juice in the glass then filling it with water.


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