Drinking water therapy originated in Japan, has now become popular around the world.
First, people who apply the above method will drink 4 to 5 cups of water (180 ml) at room temperature on an empty stomach every morning, 45 minutes before eating. When starting out, consider drinking only 1-2 cups and gradually increase the amount. Then you drink water throughout the day as usual.
Also, people should limit each meal to 15 minutes, with a break of at least 2 hours before you eat or drink anything else.
While there’s no limit to how much you eat, sustainable weight loss requires healthy food choices.
Very few scientific studies have investigated this particular Japanese therapy, although there is evidence that drinking water can help with weight loss.
However, there are many other factors that come into play, such as the overall quality of your diet and your level of exercise.
Function
Drinking more water has a satiety effect, as water takes up space in the stomach. Water suppresses cravings and overeating contributes to unwanted weight gain.
One study found that overweight or obese adults who drank 500 ml of water 30 minutes before a meal ate 13% less than those who didn’t. Another study in moderate-weight men showed similar results. Drinking water significantly increased resting energy expenditure in adults.
In addition, replacing sugary drinks with water has the potential to reduce calorie intake.
Finally, a 15-minute meal time and a break between meals and snacks can reduce calorie intake.
Proponents claim that water therapy cleanses the digestive system, improves gut health, prevents constipation and reduces the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure. However, there is no scientific evidence to specifically support such claims.
Still, drinking enough water can promote optimal brain function, energy levels and blood pressure, as well as prevent headaches, constipation, and kidney stones.
While the common recommendation is 8 cups (1.9 liters) per day, keep in mind that water needs vary from person to person.
Argumentative
Some studies have found that a 15-minute meal duration of water therapy can affect long-term weight loss because the gut doesn’t have time to signal to the brain that you’re full. As a result, you can eat too much, too quickly.
One study found that children who ate quickly were likely to gain weight much faster.
Other research notes that calorie restriction may lead to initial weight loss but tends to increase levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. This may be the reason only 20% of people who lose weight keep the long-term effects.
Risk
While adequate hydration is beneficial for overall health, you still shouldn’t drink too much water.
Overhydration, also known as water intoxication, occurs when you drink large amounts of water in a short time. This can severely lower blood sodium levels, causing nausea, vomiting, seizures, coma, and even death if left untreated.
While 4-5 cups of water in the morning is safe for most adults, it may be too much for some. Listen to your body and stop drinking if you start to feel uncomfortable.
Hyponatremia is rare in healthy people with normal kidney function, but it’s best to avoid drinking more than the maximum amount of water that healthy kidneys can filter – about 4 cups (945 ml) per hour.
