Drinking enough water is a key element in any weight loss regimen. But there are some health experts who claim drinking hot water will create even more weight loss. Although this hasn't been scientifically proven, there are indications sipping warm or hot water will affect certain organs and glands that are linked to weight and metabolism. As with any health plan, what you eat and how you exercise are the most important components of losing weight.
Improves Digestion
One way that hot water may help with losing weight is by improving digestion. Hot water, especially with the addition of a little bit of lemon juice, helps to clear the bowels, according to Janet Thomson in her book, "Weight Loss in Mind." By keeping the bowels moving properly, there if less of a chance of bloating, constipation and other digestive disorders that can keep excess weight on the body.
Dilates Tissues
Another way hot water may help with weight loss is that it dilates tissues and channels of the body, according to Steven Pratt in his book, "SuperHealth: 6 Simple Steps, 6 Easy Weeks, 1 Longer, Healthier Life." This allows for the body to more easily detoxify, adds Pratt. Sipping hot or warm water throughout the day has this affect on tissues, he says, while cold water would not produce the same outcome.
Increases Metabolism
Some health professionals believe drinking hot water can raise your metabolism. Andreas Moritz, in his book "Timeless Secrets of Health and Rejuvenation," recommends drinking hot water first thing in the morning to both end the "drought" from the night, but also to kick-start metabolic activity in your body. Stimulating metabolism early in the day sets the body's calorie-burning clock, and a fully functioning metabolism is also key to weight loss.
Good Replacement for High-Calorie Drinks
If you like to drink hot or warm beverages, water can be a good substitute for those drinks that contain a lot of calories, which can cause excess weight. A tall latte with skim milk at Starbucks contains 122 calories, according to Juliette Kellow in her book, "Calorie, Carb and Fat Bible 2007," while a venti Caramel Macchiato will run you 390. Even just a single espresso with no milk has six calories in it. Hot water, on the other hand, has no calories but can do just as good of a job at warming the body.
References
- "Weight Loss in Mind"; Janet Thomson; 2008
- "The Ayurvedic Guide to Diet & Weight Loss"; Scott Gerson; 2002
- "Timeless Secrets of Health and Rejuvenation"; Andreas Moritz; 2005
- "Calorie, Carb and Fat Bible 2007"; Juliette Kellow; 2007
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