Water is more than a hydrator

Water has many functions in the body. In fact, “70% of the human body” is made up of water. Water helps to remove toxins from the body, aids in absorption, regulates body temperature, circulation and excretion. It also assists in the “utilization of water soluble vitamins.” Water also plays a vital part in losing weight and maintaining weight loss. It does this by suppressing the appetite and aiding in metabolizing fat. According to Donald S. Robertson M.D., M.Sc author of The Snow Bird Diet, says studies have shown that if water is decreased in the diet, it will cause fat deposits to increase. However, drinking water can reverse the affects. When water is not consumed in optimal amounts, the kidneys are not able to function properly. When this happens, waste is passed on to the liver to metabolize. The main function of the liver is to metabolize fat into forms of energy the body can utilize. This is intercepted when the liver has to do the work of the kidneys. This results in less fat being metabolized by the liver. Water also helps to reduce fluid retention. This happens when not enough water is consumed so the body goes into survival mode and retains water. Water also helps with muscle tone by allowing the muscles to stay hydrated and contract with ease. In addition, water helps with sagging skin from weight loss by allowing shrinking cells to hydrate which plumps up the skin leaving it with a healthier appearance.

Most people should drink 64oz of water a day but this can vary based on sex and weather conditions.

Your body prefers carbohydrates, when it comes to higher intensity exercise

Your body has its preference when it comes to fuel for energy. Whenever exercise intensity increases from low to high, the body switches to glucose and glycogen as the main source of ATP. Metabolically more energy is created in the mitochondria (ATP) due to the aerobic breakdown of carbs compared to fat. As exercise intensity increases, fast twitch muscle fibers come into play (because of their enzymes). This makes them better equipped to use carbohydrates for ATP production. Keep in mind that higher-intensity exercise will also produce epinephrine production, thus increasing the metabolization of carbohydrates. And for those who are not familiar with fast twitch and slow twitch muscle fibers. Fast twitch muscle fibers come into play with higher intensity activities and some people may have a genetic make up where they have more fast twitch muscle fibers. For instance bodybuilders may have a higher amount of fast twitch muscle fibers. Compared to long distant runners who may have a greater amount of slow twitch muscle fibers.