As we well know, the body is composed mostly of water , approximately 75% in babies and 60% in adults, so it is essential for our body to function efficiently and properly. But the fluid in the body is lost throughout the day and needs to be replaced, otherwise the body begins to react to dehydration and symptoms such as fatigue and headaches appear.
Although it is important to drink plenty of fluids, some people fall into the idea that doing so can put on weight and reduce their consumption. If you are one of those who have wondered, does drinking a lot of water make you fat? In this FastlyHealarticle we will help you solve your doubts.
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Benefits of drinking water
Water is an important part of the body, as it is essential for many of the body’s functions and also as a component of tissues, organs and cells, so the shortage of this liquid can lead to health problems. Some of the benefits that are obtained by ingesting water and maintaining good hydration are:
- It favors the elimination of toxins and wastes from the various processes in the body.
- Maintains healthy skin, stimulating cell regeneration, cleanliness and elasticity.
- It allows metabolic processes to take place properly.
- It improves the digestive process and prevents conditions such as constipation.
- Stimulates the lubrication of tissues and organs, avoiding friction between them.
- Helps regulate appetite, giving the feeling of satiety.
- Strengthens and increases the immune system, avoiding possible infections by external agents.
- Provides help for better absorption of nutrients and obtaining energy.
- Keeps the joints in good condition, making them more resistant and avoiding friction.
- Helps prevent bad breath by producing saliva and removing bacteria.
- Keeps body temperature balanced.
- It favors the optimal functioning of the brain, helps to be more attentive and stay focused.
- It prevents dryness in the mucous membranes, including those of the nose, mouth and eyes.
- It allows blood to travel throughout the body more easily.
- Avoid headaches and back pain due to possible dehydration.
Does drinking a lot of water make you fat?
There is a belief in many people that water makes you fat and they tend to reduce the intake of this vital liquid. They could not be more wrong, since water does not contain calories or any other element that can cause an accumulation of fat and therefore gain weight. However, a copious consumption if you can increase body weight, because you gain volume, nothing related to fat.
The body is designed to maintain a balance, so as there is an excess of water and not being used in physiological processes, it can be easily eliminated from the body through urine , which becomes abundant. In the event that there is fluid retention, it must be due to an increase in salts, possibly due to the consumption of certain foods or beverages, but if you stop consuming them and this condition still occurs, it is better to attend with the doctor to rule out any problem.
Consequences of excessive water consumption
Although drinking a lot of water does not make you fat , it can hinder some processes that interfere with the breakdown of fat, for example when a large amount of liquid is ingested during a meal, it is possible that gastric juices are diluted a little or that the production of saliva It is less due to the sensation of water and the food is not chewed properly. For this reason, it is preferable to drink moderately fluids or drink half an hour before eating.
Another reaction to drinking plenty of water can occur while following diets rich in salts, causing the minerals responsible for electrolyte balance to be diluted to a certain degree and leading to fluid retention . However, it does not mean that you should ingest little water, but it does mean enough water for the body’s requirements, so it is advisable that you visit a specialist to give you the best diet according to your condition. In our article, tips to prevent fluid retention, we give you suggestions to avoid this condition.
On the other hand, it is possible that some consider that simply by drinking a lot of water it is possible to gain weight or increase muscles when people practice sports or intense exercise, an idea that is not correct. Drinking water keeps muscles hydrated and flexible, favoring protein synthesis that stimulates the growth of muscle fibers, but water by itself does not transform into muscle, much less fat. In addition, those who want to gain muscle quickly often use nutritional supplements that retain water or absorb it better, which also generates an increase in body weight.
Other recommendations to ensure hydration
It is important to stay hydrated and consume fluids or fruits that provide water at various times of the day, without having to wait to feel thirsty , as this is a sign that the body has lost water and needs to replace it.
You should drink approximately 2 liters of water daily, but this will also depend on the physical activities you do, your age and the weather conditions of the place where you are. Also, try not to consume fluids beyond what is recommended or excessive amounts in a short time when there is no facility to release it, since at some point it is likely to trigger complications or syndromes such as hyperhydration or water intoxication.
In addition, avoid the constant consumption of soft drinks, juices, energy drinks and alcoholic beverages, especially when there is a feeling of thirst, since they do not provide hydration to the body but, on the contrary, some of its components come to stimulate urine secretion and dehydration .
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.