How Much Water Should I Drink On My Low Carb Diet?

Drinking enough water is an essential
part of any diet, but it is especially important
to consume enough water if you are on
a low carb diet. While the actual amount
of water you need each day is debated,
most experts place it at around eight
servings of eight-ounce of water--or
four 16-once bottles of water each day.

According to Atkins.com, the body loses
around 80 ounces of water each day,
which means everyone must replace that
80 ounces everyday or face dehydration
and a lack of functionality.

Unlike most people, who take in 24 to
32 ounces of water each day through
the consumption of food, low carb dieters
are restricted to food that contains less
water in general, which means it is vital
that they consume the prescribed amount
of 80 ounces.

In addition to simply preventing dehydration,
consuming a regular amount of water also
cures a host of other problems. It flushes
toxins out of the body, replaces electrolytes,
replenishes cells to prevent damage from
free radicals, and contributes to skin health--
giving a healthy glow to people who
consume enough.

Consuming enough water is vitally important
for low carb dieters for other reasons, too.

Many people mistake thirst for hunger. Because
food also contains water, they crave water, but
mistakenly eat food. Many experts hypothesize
that this is the actual reason behind binge snacking
and between-meal cravings.

A reduction in regular water consumption
can also cause inordinate levels of water
retention. When the body doesn’t have
a constant flow of water, it tends to hold
stores of the water it does get, slowing
weight loss.

In order to receive all of these benefits
from water--from detoxification to a reduction
in cravings--experts suggest that low carb
dieters stick to drinking actual, pure water,
rather than flavored products that contain water.

In fact, if you are on a low carb diet, you
should avoid drinks that contain sugar and
caffeine in general; and while diet drinks
are acceptable, it is important that you
drink them in addition to your eight glasses
each day.