The weight loss journey is grueling and requires the highest commitment and discipline. To our rescue, there is one natural element that helps in shedding that fat sooner. Water, though, does not have any weight loss property by itself; when coupled with the right herbs and spices, when had in the correct quantity, and at the right time of the day, it keeps your gut healthy and thereby aids in weight loss. Water is a natural appetite suppressant that increases burning calories, removes waste from the body, and reduces overall liquid calorie intake.
“Drinking as little as 1% more water means you benefit from a drop in saturated fat, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol. One extra cup of H20 a day will save you 68 calories; three extra cups a day will cut your calories intake by 205. This doesn’t mean you can be on your couch all day and chug a gallon of water. You still need to keep up with those healthy habits.” says Michael Smith, MD, Chief Medical Editor, WebMD.
Here are 4 water therapies to try…
Cold water therapy improves metabolism
When you take a cold shower, your body generates heat to get back to the normal temperature. This process aids in weight loss, and a complete body immersion gives the best results. You can take a warm shower first and then reduce the temperature eventually. Or you can swim in water with a relatively lower temperature than you usually would.
Caution: Consult a doctor before practicing cold therapy because it can cause cardiac stress.
Happy gut with empty-stomach water therapy
A healthy gut boosts metabolism, and the Japanese are staunch believers in this. Consuming water on an empty stomach cures constipation, high blood pressure, Urinary Tract Infection, tuberculosis, and menstrual problems. In this therapy, on an empty stomach, you drink 4-5 cups (each cup 160-200ml) of lukewarm water early in the morning. An Indian twist to this ritual is to add jeera, saunf, lemon, green tea, or ajwain, boil, strain, and drink.
Caution: Cut down on the consumption of alcohol and do not drink the night before the therapy for best results.
Manage intake of calories with warm-water therapy
Hot water helps improve digestion by fostering the burning process. Having a glass of warm water 30 minutes before each meal allows you to eat less, cleanses your intestines, and prevents bloating.
Caution: Do not consume water near boiling point to avoid any kind of burns, as excessive heat can cause damage to tissues.
Detoxify with the salt rush water therapy
Drinking saltwater on an empty stomach removes accumulated fat, promotes weight loss, and helps detoxify. Add 1- 2 teaspoons of salt, like Himalayan sea salt (non-iodized), to one liter of water. Stir well until the salt dissolves and sip it slowly.
Caution: Consult a doctor as common side effects may include nausea, weakness, blood pressure, vomiting, etc. Doctors do not recommend salt rush for individuals with high blood pressure, digestive issues, or kidney or heart disease.
Remember, drinking water is beyond just quenching your thirst. When done right, such as sipping water instead of gulping it at once, sitting instead of standing and drinking, and clocking in that minimum of 3 liters/day, will yield tremendous results.
