Hydration

If you have ever started a series of cellulite treatments, then you are no stranger to the "hydration sermon" on drinking enough water.  Water is the key that can make or break the success of your cellulite program.  It is imperative that we keep our bodies from becoming dehydrated. 

Water is the most common molecule in our bodies.   As adults, we are made up of 45-75% water, depending on the percentage of body fat.  Fat cells contain less water than muscle cells.  Muscle tissue is made up of  50-70% water and contains approximately 1/2 the water found in the body.  Blood is up to 80% water, brain grey matter 70-85%, and bones 20-23%.  About 5/8 of the body water is inside the cells, and 3/8 is outside, between the cells and in the circulation. 

We rely upon the fluids in our cells to help remove unwanted waste.  If our bodies are not able to detoxify these wastes, it can lead to different illnesses and conditions leading to increased cellulite.

Not everyone understands why drinking water is so important. 

Water suppresses the appetite and helps the body metabolize stored fat.   It has been proven that a decrease in water intake causes fat deposits to increase, therefore, increasing water intake reduces fat.

The kidneys need water to function properly.  Without sufficient water for the kidneys, they cannot work adequately, and so this affects some of the water going to the liver.  One of the primary functions of the liver is to metabolize fat into energy for the body.   If the liver needs to do some of the work for the kidneys, the liver cannot work as it should to metabolize the fat and so more fat is stored in the body, increasing weight and not using the fat as energy.

Water helps to maintain muscle stimulation in aiding muscles to contract by reducing dehydration.  It is important to drink water before and after a workout.  There is evidence that cold water burns calories.

An average weight person, not overweight, should drink eight glasses a day. 

Now for those of you who are not water drinkers, I know this probably fits into the "overwhelmed" category.  It can even look overwhelming.  Break it up during the day.  I have found that more people will stay with the hydration habit if they build up to it, versus trying to start with the full 8 glasses a day.  Some of you may be able to conquer that task, if not, start where you are.  It is better to drink more water each day and stay with it, then get overwhelmed and quit all together.  Your body will thank you for creating this healthier habit.  And the more water you drink, the more it will help your cellulite reduction results.

Remember:

1. Water suppresses your appetite.
2. Water metabolizes fat into energy.
3. Increasing water input, decreases fat deposits.
4. The body will not function properly without enough water and cannot metabolize store fat efficiently.
5. Retained water shows up as excess weight.
6. To get rid of excess water, you must increase your water intake.
7. Drinking water is essential for weight loss.
8. Water helps muscle stimulation.
9. It is important to drink water before and after exercise.
10. You should drink 2 quarts of water a day.