Water is vital to digestion and metabolism, acting as a medium for various enzymatic and chemical reactions in the body. As a result of not drinking enough water, many people encounter such problems as excess body fat, poor muscle tone and size, decreased digestive efficiency and organ function, increased toxicity in the body, joint and muscle soreness (particularly after exercise) and water retention.
Most people have no idea how much water they should be drinking, and most Americans live from day to day in a dehydrated state. They don't drink enough water. Without water, we would be poisoned to death by our own waste products and toxins resulting from metabolism.
Overweight people should drink an extra eight ounces of water for each 25 pounds that exceeds their ideal weight. There is a difference between pure water and other beverages that contain water. Water is water. Obviously you can get it by consuming fruit juice, soft drinks, beer, coffee or tea. Unfortunately, while such drinks contain water, they also may contain substances that are not healthy and actually contradict some of the positive effects of the added water.
The bottom line is that your weight loss plan should include drinking plenty of water. Try to keep some with you at all times and you will be more likely to drink the amount that you should be.