Water, Weight Loss and Your Liver

Trying to lose weight? We have all heard the mantra that drinking eight or more glasses of water a day is vital to waistline reduction. We know that water can help to curb appetite and that it somehow works to flush out toxins, but how does pure water work to help rid our bodies of excess fat? On the surface, it might seem that the bladder, kidneys and liver are distinct organs fulfilling individual functions. In reality, they work in conjunction, performing the very essential task of elimination of the body’s toxins and waste products.

Every day, a person’s kidneys may filter 200 litres of blood to extract about 2 litres of waste and water. These are passed as urine. Dehydration causes this system to become less efficient. When the kidneys cannot do their job effectively, the liver is forced to pick up the slack. This is bad news when you are trying to lose weight. According to the American Liver Foundation, “The liver performs many unique and important metabolic tasks as it processes carbohydrates, proteins, fats and minerals to be used in maintaining normal body functions.”

Primary among these functions are regulation of blood cholesterol and metabolization of fat. Experts stress that, “If the kidneys are water-deprived, the liver has to do their work along with its own, lowering its total productivity. It then can't metabolize fat as quickly or efficiently as it could when the kidneys were pulling their own weight.”

Furthermore, fat-soluble toxins such, as pesticides and other agricultural and environmental waste, can accumulate in your liver, impeding its ability to function. Trace amounts of these toxins are picked up everywhere through absorption through the skin or through consumption of contaminated food or water. When this happens, the liver works less effectively, burning less fat. Mild and frequent detoxification is extremely beneficial for weight loss. Consuming enough clean, fresh water aids in this detoxification.

Liver specialist, Dr. Sandra Cabot emphasizes that, “if the liver does not regulate fat metabolism efficiently, weight gain tends to occur around the abdominal area and a protuberant abdomen (potbelly) will develop.” She also claims that, “this is often a sign of a fatty liver. It can be almost impossible to lose this abdominal fat until the liver function is improved. Once this is done the liver will start burning fat efficiently again and the weight comes off gradually.”

Experts also advise that with this gradual style of weight loss, a 'plateau' may occur. The rate at which weight is being lost may cease or diminish for weeks. This apparent lack of gratification can be a source of great frustration to individuals in the process of shifting lifestyle. Dr. Cabot cautions that fat loss may be occurring within the liver itself. When the liver clears, it will metabolize fat far more efficiently. The implications for weight loss are unmistakable. Drinking plenty of pure water can help to flush away those extra pounds.