Water makes up 60 percent of your total body weight and is essential for the proper functioning of every system in your body. Drinking water throughout the day is necessary for preventing dehydration and can aid in weight loss. Distilled water is the process of purifying the water through steaming, which some claim reduces water weight and bloating.
What Is Distilled Water?
Drinking distilled water instead of regular tap water helps to tighten the body because it contains little or no sodium and reduces bloating, states Tosca Reno, author of "The Eat-Clean Diet Stripped." Regular tap water contains tiny particles of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and sodium. Heating the water until it steams is the distillation process that removes the minerals and other impurities in the water leaving only hydrogen and oxygen molecules.
Recommended Water Intake
The recommended amount of daily water intake to replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration is three liters for men and 2.2 liters for women. If you are physically active or work or exercise hot environments, you need greater amounts of fluid to replace water lost through perspiration. Aim to drink one or two cups of water following exercise and prior to each meal, or if you feel hungry - thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Making it a habit to drink water prior to your meals ensures you are obtaining enough water, and may help prevent over-consumption of food.
Lemon Water
Adding fresh lemon juice to your distilled water offers numerous benefits other than simply adding flavor to your water. Lemon is a common ingredient used in many detoxification and cleansing programs because of its effect on removing toxins from the body and improving immunity. Lemon water also works as a natural diuretic, aids in digestion and helps relieve constipation which can help with reduce body weight, notes Reno. Squeeze half of lemon into a large glass of hot or cold water and drink daily. Don't add any sugar or sweetener that may counteract your weight loss goals.
Considerations
Drinking distilled water will not guarantee weight loss. However, drinking water instead of other calorie-containing beverages helps with weight loss, and the decrease in sodium and other minerals in distilled water may help to reduce water retention. Significant fat loss occurs with consuming a portion-controlled diet consisting fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole-grains and healthy fat sources. Additionally, regular aerobic and strength training exercise will also help to reduce excess weight.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Water: How Much Should Your Drink Every Day?; August 2010
- "The Eat-Clean Diet Stripped"; Tosca Rena; 2011
- AskDrSears.com; All About Water



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