A recent study performed by Brenda Davey, Ph.D., of Virginia Tech University finally demonstrated what many people have been saying for years…
There is a virtually free ingredient that can accelerate fat loss.
And surprisingly, the benefit far exceeded expectations.
In a randomized, controlled intervention trial, 48 adults were divided into two groups. One group consumed two units of this ingredient prior to their meals. The other did not.
All of the subjects ate a low calorie diet during the study.
Over the course of 12 weeks, the group that consumed this ingredient lost 44% more weight than the group that did not.1
Want to Know What This “Magic Ingredient” Is?
I bet you do!
The answer is… WATER… Pure H2O!!!
Just two cups of water before every meal increased weight loss dramatically.
How is that for a low cost weight loss solution?
Researchers are not sure why the results are so pronounced, but their best guess is that drinking water before meals leads to less calories consumed per meal.
I will admit that I am a bit surprised at how dramatic the results are… but the data is clear and convincing.
One thing to note is that the two groups were both consuming low calorie diets. I doubt you can use this technique and lose any weight by eating unhealthy, high calorie meals… so it is NOT a panacea.
Also, preliminary research indicates that the results are more pronounced in older adults than in people in their teens and early 20’s.
I would say this could be a healthy habit at any age — but if you are a mature adult it appears that drinking water before meals is a very smart addition to your current efforts to stay healthy and slim.
Action Steps and Final Thoughts
1) Keep a 16oz water bottle with you at all times. It makes sense that if you keep water with you, you’re more likely to drink it. On the other hand, if you get hungry and water is not close by, chances are you’ll just start your meal without it and miss this powerful weight loss opportunity.
2) If you go out, ask your waiter for two glasses of water upon arrival. Or if you get take out, order a 16 oz bottle of water with your meal and drink it before you begin eating. Over time, this will become habitual and second nature to you.
Last thing… Before we wrap this up, I’d love to hear any thoughts or questions you have on this subject.
Do you struggle to drink enough water? Have you discovered a tip or trick that makes drinking enough water, especially before meals, any easier?
If so – or even if you just have a question – I’d LOVE to hear from you in the comment section below.
Until next time, I wish you the best success in your journey!
Sincerely,
Steven Sisskind, M.D.
1. American Chemical Society (2010, August 23). Drink water to curb weight gain? Clinical trial confirms effectiveness of simple appetite control method.
RealMeal GF™
Super Critical Omega-3 TG ™
RealReds™
Hi, I drink tons and tons of red tea with cinnamon (no milk) everyday. I don’t really like water, will drinking the red tea replace my water consumption?
Hi Wendy – Thank you for your email. Tea, even though it contains caffeine, does hydrate your body. Unless you drink around 50-60oz of tea a day, I would say also try to drink some water with fresh lemon and lime juice squeezed into it for more hydration.
what is red tea ? is it redbush ? if so I am surprised to hear it contains caffeine- as I drink spiced redbush in the evening because I don’t sleep very well and like my Chai tea,and drink it nearly all the time when I can get it
Hi Chrissi,
Thank you for posting your question to our website. To answer your question red tea, redbush tea, bush tea, South African red tea, and simply rooibos are indeed all the same tea. There are just different names for red tea throughout the world.
Thank you for the tip , Im starting today .
Hi Desiree,
Thank you for posting to our website. Always remember that if you have any questions, or need any additional support to achieve weight loss success, we have an amazing team of Healthy Life Specialist here to help you in any way that they can. We are dedicated to providing you with the very BEST service possible.
Clean drinking water like Oasis is the best. When you carry a botle of water with you it becomes second nature. You become quickly dependent on that bolttle of water and it is less likely that you will then drink coffee or unhealthty drinks full of sugar.
I wonder how this method affects digestion as a drink just before eating dilutes the natural digestive juices at the start of the process.
Hi Kaz – It seems many have thought this same idea. However, there is quite a bit of research on this which shows that drinking water with food doesn’t seem to affect the acidity of the stomach contents or impair digestion. Actually, extra water helps digest food through a process known as hydrolysis which many of our stomach’s enzymes use. Water also binds with food’s fibers and form a gel which help keep us full for hours after eating. Thanks for writing in!
Hey, I know Kaz!!!!
I add MIO to my water. It tastes sweet so I drink more all day!!!
What is MIO? Just wondering as I don’t recognize the abbreviation. I
I have found that once you start drinking water only, you begin to notice the taste of water from different sources. The filtered water from our fridge tastes so good to me now that I take it everywhere I go.
MIO is an additive for water (with many different flavors, such as berry pomegranate or peach tea or green tea or berry punch or mango peach or whatever)–it tastes pretty good and you don’t use much of it at all so the idea is to add it to your water in restaurants and avoid paying money for beverages such as soda pop, which probably aren’t all that healthy for you, anyway. MIO is sold in the energy drink or beverage section of stores such as Target and Walmart. Hope this helps!
I agree!! I just love the taste of the filtered water from my fridge, I make water bottles of it and take it with me everywhere I go. I find that I crave it more than any other type of drink.
This has been known for a long time. I remember my American cousins telling me about drinking water before eating to lose weight sixty years ago. I don’t think it’s a good idea to drink large quantities close to eating as we need digestive enzymes to see that we absorb the food we are eating. Maggie
Hi Maggie – Large amounts of water with food may definitely make a person feel bloated. However, these participants only drank 16oz of water prior to eating which isn’t an excessive amount by any means. This extra water doesn’t dilute enzymes and actually enhances digestion and absorption of key water soluble nutrients. Thanks for the comment!
Is 16oz the same as 1/2 litre or 500ml ? I try to drink a minimum of 500ml water before breakfast and do try to drink a total of 1 1/2 litres a day plus all the other stuff I drink – I have a tendency to skip lunch though- as if I do have it I find it very difficult to eat an evening meal- I have breakfast as my largest meal usually a salad type meal as I try to avoid sugars I cut down on bread and simple starches, but I am not that active, though I walk everywhere at least a 1/2 mile a day I am overweight, as I am around 12 1/2 stone and 5’6″, Ideally I’d be no more than 11 but until around two years ago, I used to skip meals for days, sometimes weeks if I was upset about anything and wonder if that may have an effect on my weight loss ? nobody I’ve asked seems to know and a lot have said that it is my age 54, but I can’t see that as a problem
Hi Chrissi,
Thank you for posting to our website. The challenges we face can be hard to overcome. The good news is, you have a can-do attitude and a willingness to face your struggles head on. Even if you have physical limitations, RealDose Weight Loss Formula’s ingredients can help you lose weight – by reducing your appetite, boosting your mood and providing hormonal support. Additionally, the “Fat Loss Fast Start Program” can further help with your weight loss goals by advising you on healthy food and lifestyle choices.As you enter perimenopause and menopause, the metabolism gradually slows. According to the Mayo Clinic, women in menopause may need to reduce calories by 200 to 400 a day. Try making the majority of your diet rich in a variety of vegetables and fruits. Also limit daily intake of saturated fat to less than 7 percent of total caloric intake. For most of us losing weight is never easy, so even though your body has gone through some changes both physically and hormonally, losing weight is still possible. RealDose Weight Loss Formula’s ingredients can help you lose weight – by reducing your appetite, boosting your mood and providing hormonal support. Additionally, our Fat Loss Fast Start program can further help with your weight loss goals by advising you on healthy food and lifestyle choices, that you can incorporate into your current routine. Here is a book you may want to check out. “The Core Balance Diet“ by Dr. Marcelle Pick. She also has a website which focuses mostly on menopause. [LINK: http://www.womentowomen.com
Would slightly CARBONATED WATER BRING AS GOOD A RESULT?
WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF PERMANERNT FILTER TO THE WATER INLET – i DO NOT LIKE THE WATER i’M SERVED FROM MY TAPS. HAVE YOU KNOWLEDGE OF WATER FILTER PLUMBERS IN THE UK. i LIVE IN WEST YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND.
Hi Kathleen – Thanks for writing in. There are many inexpensive filters you can buy for your indoor water system. I would recommend one of those. Brita seems to be one of the largest brands with a wide variety of options available in many areas. I hope that helps!
Hi, Kathleen, In London, I’ve been using a Triflow tap for 20 years. It’s a hot/cold mixer with a third tap that dispenses filtered water via its own channel through the same outlet. The filter needs changing every 6 months. It removes heavy metals and chlorine, as well as sediments, but doesn’t remove calcium, which, of course, one needs. I was so pleased with my tap that I put the same set-up in my parents’ house in the North as well. The water there was so loaded with chemicals that it tasted really awful. The water-board was also laying new mains, so the tap water was full of grit for a while! In both locations, the water comes out of the tap tasting like a mountain spring. No-one in our houses drinks bottled soft drinks. Tea and coffee taste better too.The tap and filter-kit are expensive, but the running costs (the filters) are about £70 a year. The maker of my tap is Franke. I think there are other marques that include the word ‘Triflow’ and work on a similar principle. Metal parts are likely to last longer than plastic, so you don’t get a burst under your sink. Any competent plumber can install one for you. Best wishes!
It is vital to get the best tasting water possible. People drink coffee, soda and beer because water doesn’t taste good. Tap and most bottled water lacks taste.I have installed a Enagic water machine. Taste and aroma are everything. Tap water is 7 PH. Bottled water is 7.5 PH. My family and pets all drink 9.5 PH water and enjoy many health benifits.
Hi Silver Fox – Good suggestions. You can also add lemon, lime, herbal teas and other flavoring ingredients to help spruce up your common H20!
Yeah Silver Fox : An Enagic Kangen Water fan! Same here in Mississippi! Very well stated! Hoorray for delicious Healthy Water! Some times I seem hungry ( though not all, HA!), drink my Kangen Water, and a few minutes later I realize that I am not hungry right now any longer. Yeah!
I put lemon juice in my water to make it more appealing to me. It is also a detox for the body.
By the way, i don’t add any sweetener to the lemon juice and water mixture.
Adding lemon is not only appealing, studies show it helps burn significantly more calories that drinking water without lemon. Frankly, I hate water so it’s a struggle. I also have to go to the bathroom way too often if I drink too much water. It also messes with my electrolytes if I drink too much water too quickly. I don’t think the standard eight to ten glasses of water a day is the best for everyone; some need more; some need less. I do keep a glass (don’t use plastic bottles) with me at all times during the day and sip on it. That way, I usually end up drinking at least five glasses a day. Oh, and don’t put the lemon peel in the water unless you’re washing your own fruit. It’s disgusting what Dr. Oz found when testing fruits served with drinks at restaurants. The bacteria and germs on fruits like lemons and limes is extreme as they are never washed. I wash mine but still squeeze the juice in and throw out the rind.
Hi PJS,
Thank you for taking a moment and posting to our website. The mayo clinic suggests women consume nine cups of water daily and men drink 13. Drinking lemon or lime water might help you fill that water requirement. Hot weather or vigorous activity increases your hydration needs. Drinking two cups of water before meals will help you lose weight and stay hydrated, recommends nutrition researcher Brenda Davy at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Opting for lemon water or lime water instead of plain unflavored water will not only make it easier to drink your water, but might also provide you with valuable vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants present in lemon and lime juice can be a healthy addition to your weight loss diet. And your right, always remember to rinse your fruit to avoid bacteria, germs, and even toxins that can be found in pesticides.
it’s just the weight of it that can be a problem- and refilling it when you are out- there are no longer any public drinking fountains where I am in the Uk – which is quite a nuisance- the other thing is apparently you can mistake thirst for hunger as well- before I even consider eating breakfast I drink a half litre bottle of water- then wait and see if I feel hungry after that- and I keep well away from breakfast cereals and sugary stuff- I find if I eat those I feel hungrier and want to eat more than I would if I have a salad wrap or a steamed ‘stirfry’ for breakfast- bearing in mind I personally can’t eat mayonnaise or the high calorie dressings that make these options a bad choice for food intolerance reasons- not that we’ve worked out why yet- only if I do I have to stay close to the loo
Chrissi,
You should eat breakfast. Just drinking water doesn’t get your metabolism going. I’m not a breakfast eater either, but now I eat a hard boiled egg or piece of cheese in the morning as protein gets the metabolism going.
Hi PJS,
Thank you for taking a moment and posting to our website.Breakfast is a nutritious way to start out your day. Eating breakfast refuels your body, enhances your mood, improves your concentration, helps you maintain a healthy weight, and is the foundation of a healthy diet. Eating a healthy breakfast can be quick and easy, and provide you with benefits that last the entire day. Make sure to include protein and fiber (egg whites with beans or a smoothie with flax). This is very important. Studies show that the quality of your day’s first meal often influences your eating behavior throughout the day, so make sure you get started on the right foot.
I thought doctors recommended NOT drinking water before meals because it dilutes digestive enzymes? Has that now been found false?
Hi Amy – Thanks for writing in. Extra water during meals can actually help to increase digestion and absorption of key water soluble nutrients. Not to mention, water helps bind with fibers in our food and keep us full. Unless someone is experiencing frequent heart burn, indigestion or upset stomach would I recommend they not drink water with their meals. Thanks again.
I am confused… So I should not drink, water with my meals?
Hi Pam,
Thank you for posting your question to our website. I am sorry the article confused you. recent studies have shown that drinking a large glass of water before a meal is beneficial to achieving weight loss success. But, by all means if you also drink a glass of water with your meal that is fine. Scientific research suggest that 8 8 oz. glasses our water should be consumed daily.
Could it be that all that water dilutes the digestive juices in the stomach and therefore the food is not digested but passed out of the body calories and all?
Hi Sue – Good question. Actually, our bodies are very efficient at absorbing calories with water or not (around 90-98% of all carbohydrate, fat and protein is absorbed). Adding water actually helps promote the absorption of key water soluble nutrients and doesn’t seem to hinder digestion.
Drinking 16 ounces of water before a meal is going to dilute your stomach acid impairing its ability to digest. You would be better to wait an hour after your meal then have a glass of water. That requires discipline but you will allow your stomach to perform what it was meant to do.
Hi Eric – Actually, studies suggests that stomach pH (acidity) is not significantly altered by water drinking and that having water with a meal improves digestion. Including water with food helps break down parts of the food and keep you feeling full for significantly longer. Thanks for writing in!
Hi Eric: There is a great book, that you may want to read, written by a Doctor Batmangheli (spelling?) “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water”. He was originally from Romania. Very well written and documented about his studies on water and its healthy benefits for the body. He recommended drinking water for many health situations. Including prior to eating to improve digestion and decrease acid reflux and stomach problems. We have followed some of his protocols and seen much benefit. Hope that this helps.
I do drink a lot of water along with my meals about 30 ounces for last 50 years but have found no effect on my weight.
I am obese with BMI of 32.
But for ;ast few months I am drinking 5gms of megamucil with water and I lose about 1kg every week as well as my cholesterol level drops. I also eat plenty of fats as it doesnt get digested due to megamucil ( refined psillium)
Hi Girish – Good suggestions! Great sources of fiber like those found in metamucil do help to bind up cholesterol in the digestive tract. Fiber also does bind with fat, making it pass through the intestine unabsorbed. However, this only is effective on a small amount of fat (5-10% of what’s eaten). While this doesn’t make a large difference in the calories of one meal, if you add up the amount of calories it can reduce over a month or even a year, it makes a huge difference in our diets and our weight. Hence why we should all include high fiber foods in our diet. Thanks for commenting!
I agree with this study 100%….I don’t think there are very many people that actually drink the amount of water you should drink daily. We are all lacking in that department. And to drink 16oz before you eat! Very Smart!
I read on a blog not to long ago that there are other things you can add to your water to boost metabolism and flavor your water a little at the same time. Add some cut up apples to a gallon of water and a cinnamon stick too. Both boost the metabolism. There are many things you can add to your water to make it taste a little better for those that don’t like to drink it because of taste.
I love your articles Dr. Steve! Thanks!
Great suggestions Rhonda! I will have to try that sometime. Thanks!
i”m wondering about how soon before eating to drink the water. I have read (ah well…who knows what’s true) that drinking water before and during a meal dilutes the enzymes.
What do you think about that?
Hi Ava – Many others have had similar concerns. Actually though, drinking water with meals does not dilute stomach acids or change the acidity of stomach contents. Extra water with meals actually helps digestion and improves absorption of many key nutrients.
In fact, in the Real Dose “Quick Start” guide supplied with the Vegi-Cap Formula 1 it is suggested (as one of the 12 steps) to drink 16oz of ice cold water before a meal and then again during the meal. – It seems to work so why question it? (Of course, many times I use Gatorade.
This is a simple theory, by drinking a glass of water a few minutes prior to a meal you have a sense of fullness in which you consume less food, hence taking in fewer calories.
We drink distilled water with the essential minerals added (which is less expensive than purchasing bottled water), however, to enhance the taste I add a tiny bit of stevia (about 1/8 tsp. and the jice of 1/2 lemon to the water. It gives it a bit of flavor, somewhat like lemonade, but without the calories/sugar. As a result I get my full requirement of water each day.
Can you add things to the water, like those small pks. Of lemonade or tea? Sugar free of course. Will that make a difference? Sometimes it makes it easier for me to drink allot of water. Tks. Ann
Hi Ann – Absolutely, if you look on others comments it seems that people also add cinnamon sticks, herbal tea, stevia, etc. There are endless options for flavoring water with little to no calories and making it that much more enjoyable to stay hydrated.
I have increased my water intake by drinking flavored UNSWEETENED seltzer water. They come in great flavors (Vanilla tastes like cream soda) and are more interesting and go better with some meals- like meals with which you would typically drink a soda. I don’t drink diet sodas anymore because they make me crave sweets more and they have unnecessary chemicals.
While seltzer is a bit more expensive than regular water, it is a nice variation. The carbonation fills me up too!
Drink up!
I recently heard a tip on “Extreme Make-Over, Weight Loss Edition.” The trainer, Chris Powell, I believe, said if you
are trying to curb your appetite you should drink room temperature water as opposed to icy cold water. This sounds good. I struggle with it, as I really like icy cold water. I just might try the two cups before a meal. This sounds very interesting. Thank you.
God bless you.
TEMPERATURE:
Cold water is much harder to guzzle because the throat naturally objects to it entering easily.
(Even cold air is warmed up via the nose and sinus passages before it is allowed to hit the lungs!).
This is one reason why people drink far too little water.
It is clear that different enzymes tolerate only a slim temperature margin to work effectively -in the human case it’s our body temp – so in terms of being body-friendly, ice water is out – it reduces the ease of digesting food efficiently and may cause improperly-digested food to be absorbed prematurely.
Icy drinks and food will cause the body temp to drop temporarily and energy will be spent trying to get the temperature up to normal again, so the stomach WILL warm up eventually, but meantime the stimulus needed to trigger the right digestive processes, is hampered and dampened, because temperature is critical for enzymes to begin their work.
By the time it has warmed up, this delay in releasing the enzymes may mean digestion processes are no longer properly ordered, sufficient or long enough to be fully digested. Protein in particular, can be absorbed before full-stage breakdown, making it unusable by the cells.
Body temp drinks- and food- are good- no extra digestive strain, and you can guzzle the water easily. Like a thirsty cow ;=)
Hi Toni,
Thank you for taking a moment are sharing your knowledge with the Realdose community.
Dr. Steve -
Many nutritionists/health experts recommend NOT drinking water with meals, as it dilutes
stomach acid/digestive enzymes – therefore undermining digestion of nutrients. How do you
reconcile your advice with this fairly conventional wisdom?
Hi Wendy – You can probably see that lots of other people had this very same thought. However, research shows that drinking water with a meal actually enhances the digestive ability of our stomachs and bowels. Extra water with a meal doesn’t change the acidity or effectiveness of enzymes. Our stomachs do a very good job at regulating this. Much of the enzymes which break down carbohydrate and protein use a process called hydrolysis which requires water. Under many different conditions, our bodies are always extremely capable of digesting and absorbing nutrients (90-98% of macro and micro nutrients eaten are absorbed). I hope that helps clear things up.
We have much too much acidity in our bodies!
Drinking alkaline water will boost your pH to over the 7.0, where it should be.
With my pH now over 7.2, I have more energy and feel great at 80!
Try it you just might like the tastes as well.
ACID/ ALKALINE:
Alkaline water is great for between meals, but just before a protein meal? Hardly! Do people know what pH 9, 10, or 11 actually means? Each no. is TEN TIMES more alkaline than the one before. Meat eaters beware if you drink such (Kangen, etc) water with your meal. Especially older people.
Different food groups require different enzymes for breakdown, and especially, they require different media with different pH values. Think back on simple science classes.
PROTEIN requires higher acid, lower pH, -and a shorter digestive tract (check out carnivorous animals). It is metabolized in 4 stages but can be prematurely absorbed though intestinal walls at stage 2, which makes it unusable as cell food, hence it can become a toxic burden.
[Could this be the fundamental origin of amyloidosis (rogue proteins in wrong places) which is being finally recognized as a hugely common health problem with catastrophic consequences??]
Water WILL dilute the prevailing acid in the stomach, but, when protein is detected it WILL secrete more acid – but how much can it produce to offset dilution?? Certainly impossible with alkaline waters. And if diluting is habitual, the acid- response function will surely be overtaxed and burn out!
Carbohydrates and sugars do not require an acid medium for metabolism- they are not digested in the stomach. Starches need lots of chewing to begin the process in the (alkaline) mouth but metabolism is only finished in the small intestine, skipping the stomach.
Sugars, unlike starches, head straight for the small intestine. (Hence fruit is best eaten on its own so it can pass unhindered through an empty stomach, thus is less likely to ferment, forming gas and alcohol on the way.)
I highly recommend Kangen water. It is a water filter with tremendous health benefits. Could be described as the fountain of youth in addition to weight loss!
I agree that drinking water continually throughout he day has health and weight loss benefits, however I thought drinking right before eating was bad as it dilutes digestive enzymes. I always try to stop drinking around 30 minutes before eating and 1hour after eating. I also take water with me wherever I go and have different size bottles for the length of time i will be away from home. I also use stainless steel bottles, not plastic, due to BPA and I keep 2 x 1 litre glass bottles of filtered water in my fridge just for me, so I can monitor how much I drink per day, which is usually 1 -3 litres.
Hi Cindy – Thank you for your comment. Many others have had similar concerns, but actually extra water during a meal enhances digestion and absorption of key nutrients. Research shows that drinking more water with meals doesn’t affect the acidity or effectiveness of key enzymes, our stomachs are very good at controlling this. Thanks again!
This revelation is splendid. But if one must practice it strictly on low-calorie diet, what constitutes a low-calorie diet in Nigeria?
Hi Monisola – Thanks for writing in. A good low calorie diet in Nigeria would depend on the foods that you’re used to consuming. I can put you in touch with one of our nutritional experts who can help you identify what exactly a low calorie diet may mean for you. Good luck!
The only question I have is won’t drinking water “right” before you eat, dilute your stomach acids and delay digestion?
Hi Shannon – Many others have had similar ideas if you look on the previous comments. Actually adding water helps your stomach break down many key nutrients through a process known as hydrolysis (water adding). Thanks for writing in!
Ice cold, distilled water or reverse osmosis water – water which tastes good, is easier to drink.
Adding a wedge of lemon or lime can also make it more appealing.
Thanks for the tip! And it’s free!
However, I would not drink immediately before eating; water dilutes the digestive juices and enzymes and may interfere with proper digestion.
Hi Barb – This is a common thought, however the stomach is actually very good at controlling the acidity and effectiveness of enzymes. Research shows that adding water helps improve digestion and absorption of many nutrients. Thanks for commenting!
I am currently treating for yeast overgrowth, lost 8 lbs so far, in 9 days, no sugar, bread, pasta, or fruit sugar, using Oregano, Cayenne, Candex, and Coconut Oil, drink water every time I get up at night, will do the water, and will use some alkalizing drops to be sure I am not defeating the whole purpose…..pretty sure I am on the right track, thanks for not making me read a long sales letter and buy a $40 book, those things just inspire me to research and find the secret (what does Bill Clinton chew every day? Apricot kernels!!!!!)
Hi Mejane – Thanks for writing in. Apricot kernels? Interesting! I have not heard of that before.
Is it good to have the cerial with a lot of bran and fibre from the Goodness Foods it digests your breakfast cerials very quick;ly
I have been having a lot of breakfast cerials
Daphne
Hi Daphne – Thanks for writing in. I’m not sure what cereal you mean from Goodness Foods, but they seem to have very good products. A really good one is their brand of Muesli cereals. Those would be a great choice. Good luck!
Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, who wrote the excellent book “Your Body’s Many Cries For Water”, disagrees that you should drink water during a meal. Just a little, maybe 4 oz. His advice is to start drinking 16 oz of water an hour PRIOR to a meal so that you will be well hydrated in preparation for the digestive process. He believes drinking water during a meal will dilute your stomach acids. How could it not?
Hi Tom – There has been a lot of comments on this, however research clearly points out that adding water does not in fact dilute digestive enzymes. Our stomachs tightly control the acidity and enzyme content with our without water. You can look at other comments as well for more information.
I don’t think water an hour before eating is a bad idea, it just may not be as easily done as water with a meal. Thanks for writing in!
Aesthetics and taste.
I brought these wonderful blue 1.5 litre water bottles home from Spain. We filter our own water with a Santevia counter top filter (best water!!!), transfer into the blue water bottles which we keep in the fridge. I also bought a dozen stemless wine glasses to use a water tumblers.
My four daughters and I drink litres and litres of water this way.
For a treat we splash a few ounces of pomegranate juice into the water…beautiful and delicious.
Hi Kelly – That sounds great! Thanks for sharing the good ideas!
Hi! For the people who dislike plain water….scrub lemon, lime & oranges–cut up & add to water. Another alternative is to scrub a cucumber, take off skin & add a couple of slices to water. It is healthy and super refreshing!. I was a skeptic till I tried it. Now during these hot summer days I could not imagine drinking plain ice water. Enjoy!
I add wedges or slices of lemon, lime, and cucumbers to a pitcher of water, along with lots of fresh mint sprigs, and keep it in the fridge. The only problem is that it disappears quickly and I’m always making more!
I envy you all the unthinking ease that you consume water. I have been deliberately restricting my intake due to a cystocele/rectocele/prolapse & am awaiting rectifying laproscopic surgery. Hence the need for 20kg weight reduction which is exacerbated by arthritis/bursitis/back pain etc. ( The result of a lifetime of heavy lifting & physical work)
I prevent the occurrence of UTI’s by using high dose cranberry capsules. Keeping myself hydrated with no more than 100mls in sips,of water at a time. The other risk factor is, I am post menopausal at 74 yrs I am hoping that this different approach to the problem of obesity will assist with my recovery mobility and quality of life.
Thank you for giving me new hope.
Evelyn
Hello I’m GeniaStewart I want to know do I take my diabetic Meds with real dose and also can I keep taking my H G H pills , also have u ever heard of purisalv skinny seeds if u have is it good for u and is it safe.
Hi Genia – Thank you for commenting. I would recommend you keeping taking your diabetic meds as indicated. Taking RealDose with these medications should not produce any altered effects or interactions. However, it is always best to check with your personal physician who can recommend the best practice which takes into account your personal medical background.
Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a hormone that is produced during pregnancy to help nourish the uterus. The original injection form of HCG is used as part of fertility treatment for women. Weight loss was an alleged side effect of the drug hence began the prescriptions for the off-label use as with other drugs. The potential side effects of HCG include: depression, headaches, breast
tenderness, and blood clots. A recent report stated that a patient using HCG for diet purposes suffered a pulmonary embolism which is a life-threatening condition.
Please read the FDA warning: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm281333.htm
Lastly, I have not heard of the skinny seeds and wouldn’t be able to comment on those. Sorry!
Thanks dr steve I’m going to stop taking the hgh because I’ve been having some of those symtoms, I love the real dose it really works I’ve lost 10 pounds I went from 300 pounds to 290 in 30 days , I’ll b buying more.
The erroneous advice to not drink water before a meal overlooks the obvious. Yes, the enzymes and hydrolchloric acid are diluted, but so is the food. So the ratio of stomach secretions to food stays the same.
16 ozs. of water takes up a lot of space in your stomach and you will not be able to eat as much.
Hi Kelly – Thank you for your comment.
HEY, IT IS NOT CHEMICALLY CORRECT TO STATE THAT LESS FOOD+MORE WATER IN THE STOMACH, MEANS DIGESTION IS UNDISTURBED:
Quantity doesn’t equal quality; apples are not equal to cheese.
The strength and temperature of the acid solution is the important issue (- assuming there really is already enough enzyme secreted, just awaiting activation.)
Enzymes, whether many or a few, require a specific temperature and specific pH to function
.
Also it may even be true that enzyme secretion is not even happening, because the stomach needs a certain stimulus from the food to decide whether to secrete enzymes or not -
Eg. Bits of meat in sloppy starchy porridge may not be enough to trigger the secretion of hydrochloric acid OR the amylase enzymes for protein.
(Anything else doesn’t matter much here because their digestions are not done in the stomach).
I have the opposite problem – I drink a bit too much water, like twice the daily recommended amount. It’s probably not enough to lead to full on hyponatremia, but I notice some bloating, bad digestion and water retention when I drink more than eight glasses/64oz of water a day (I often end up drinking closer to 100oz).
I’ve found that adding a bit of iodized salt to my water (no more than on tsp per 64oz) or adding a bit of salt to foods (I mainly eat fresh, so include it as a dressing for salads or seasoning for proteins) really helps balance things out. I’d be happy to hear of any other tips to help balance out how much water I drink though!
Hi Amelia – Thank you for writing in. I would caution you for drinking this amount of water, as it can be extremely harmful to your body particularly the kidneys and cardiovascular system. I’m guessing it is hot where you live or there is another good reason behind this water consumption, otherwise I would simply recommend not drinking such drastic amounts. Even with adding salt, excessive water intake can be very dangerous. I hope this reaches you well!
Hi, Dr. Steve,
All I would like to chime in with regards to water consumption is that I tried drinking more water every day, and although I didn’t lose any weight, my clothes started fitting better. (I should mention I wasn’t dieting at the time.) I started taking RealDose1 and am walking 6 days a week. I am hoping that the increase in my daily water intake will help me shed pounds or at least inches quickly–no too quickly, but just enough to motivate me to stick with it! I turned 40 this year and had a baby 2 years ago. At 5 ft 1 in, I tipped the scales at 205 lbs the day I had her. I am finally ready to feel better and take charge of a better eating lifestyle. Any other tips you think I can add as I start on this healthier path?
Thank you!
Hi Elise – Thank you for writing in and sharing your story. My advice is to try and not change too much too soon. Work changes into the areas that you feel confident you can maintain for the long run. A good rate of weight loss is 1-3 lbs/week. More than that will most likely cause you to regain. Just keep your eyes on your goals and remember to not give up along this journey. Good luck!
Hi Dr. Steve, I have hypothyroid, and currently taking synthroid, can I take your weight loss formula? I have been having problems with my mid section espescially after I had my 2yr old at age 37 in 2010. I really need to loose that extra fat around my belly. My doctors say my levels are normal, and I work out three times a week, and try to drink a lot of water being that my illness alone, drys my body out.
Hi Tumeka – Thanks for writing in. We’ve taken great care to formulate RealDose Weight Loss Formula so it will not interfere with most medications, including those for the treatment of diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, and high blood pressure. However, I couldn’t say whether RealDose will cause any interactions with your prescribed regimen. If you have any concerns of this, it is best to speak with your personal doctor who knows your health history best. Thanks!
I carry a thermos of water with me all day,every day. And I have lost 65 pounds so far. It has to be filtered water because my sistrt-in-law can’t drink tap water.
You mentioned earlier that you shouldn’t drink water with your meal if you have frequent heart burn, indigestion or upset stomach. I sometimes experience heart burn and/or indigestion, especially at night while sleeping. I drink water with most meals but sometimes I don’t drink until after I’ve finished my meal. What am I supposed to do?
Hi Connie – My advice would probably pertain to which of the following symptoms you happen to be experiencing. If you are experiencing heart burn, avoiding overly stuffing meals can help reduce the amount of acid your stomach releases. For instance, if you have a moderate sized meal, are drinking water to the point that you are full and experiencing heart burn, you may want to try consuming less water or having more frequent smaller meals.
If you are experiencing indigestion or upset stomach, you may want to concentrate on eating slower or chewing food more thoroughly. However, extra water should only help alleviate these symptoms though.
I hope that helps!
I order 1 bottle about 2 weeks ago I was reluctant to use it caused I have a Moderate Stenosis.
But I’m diabetic too and I need to lose weight so I start taking this 08/ 13/12
I was so amazed my blood sugars is down but I don’t see the losing weight yet I would like to maximize using insulin.
with the help of this real dose is it possible???
Hi Adeline, Thanks for writing in. While decaffeinted green coffee bean has been shown to help regulate insulin, since you are diabetic, I recommend you speak with your physician about the ingredients in WLF1, and continue to monitor your insulin levels closely while you are taking the product. Success with Weight Loss Formula No. 1 can often take longer than you might expect, as your hormones and body need to re-adjust and respond to the changes you are making. Many customers tell us they only start seeing results after taking Formula No. 1 for two to three months
or more. A healthy rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week, so keep that in mind when you set your expectations. Studies document the benefits of encouragement by others. A good support network lets you share triumphs, bemoan setbacks and strategize solutions, so if you need extra support or have questions don’t hesitate to contact us by email at support@realdose.com or 1-800-928-5580.
Hi Dr Steve,
I have struggled with my weight since I became conscious of it as a woman.
Recently I started gathering weight around my upper arm,thighs and stomach’s which is very embarrassing.
I am still single and never had a child before.
Does this formula N o 1 address this areas as mentioned,
I count calories and watch what I eat.
I await your response before placing an order.
Many thanks
Hi Adeyinka – Thank you for writing in. I’m sorry to hear about this weight gain which has had negative effects in your life. Our RealDose product helps you lose body fat and when the body reduces its fat, it comes off in all areas at the same time. There is no product which reduces body fat in specific areas, but since most body fat is stored in areas like thighs and stomach, those tend to be the most changed areas. Good luck in your future efforts!
But this is nothing new. I have been told for years that drinking water before a meal will help to fill your stomach and make you want to eat less. Just makes common sense. It also helps with digestion. Far back as I can remember, I have heard about this.
Please, what is the time frame ??….
gulp it down immediately before the meal?
sip for 15 minutes before?
THANK YOU
Hi Frances – Thank you for writing in. Good question. Across different sources of research, the specific timing isn’t extremely important. It may be best to establish what helps satisfy hunger signals the most for you. 15 minutes before may give the water time to go through the stomach, so sooner than that as well as with your food may be a good place to start.
I usually drink at least 2 glasses of water during every meal but now I will try drinking them at the beginning of the meal instead and see what kind of results I get. When I went through USAF basic training they made us drink 2 glasses of water before every meal but that was to prevent dehydration.
As I understand it, drinking water immediately increases your metabolism by 30% and the colder it is, the more calories your body uses to warm it up. In Italy, where I currently live, the Italians don’t drink anything cold because they think it blocks your digestion somehow. Is there any truth to that? I don’t see how since it should reach body temp after a few minutes. Sounds like an old wives tale to me. In fact, they blame 75% of their ailments on the cold. Cold weather, cold winds, cold drinks, etc. Good luck finding a restaraunt that has ice for your drink. But yet they’ll eat gelato like it’s going out of style.
I’ll freeze half a bottle of water and fill the rest with water and they look at me like I’m crazy and tell me it will put me in the hospital. I keep guzzeling it down in front of them and prove them wrong every time but they still insist it will block my digestive system somehow. I’d love to know about any real data I can show them to prove that’s false.
I forgot to mention that this business about the cold is coming from doctors and not just grandmas!
I had gastric bypass surgery 18 months ago, and don’t have access to ghrelin, but after losing 100 lbs, I am not losing anymore, and I get really hungry. Is this all in my mind??
Hi Ilene – Thanks for commenting. Depending on your specific type of surgery, you may have some confusion between your hunger hormones and your brain’s hunger signals. Unfortunately, without knowing more information I couldn’t say what may exactly be causing your increased hunger despite gastric bypass. There are many strategies for decreasing hunger like increasing your protein, fiber and water intake, but it may be best to speak with your gastroenterologist to decide what your best action against this may be. I hope that helps!
what if I forget &dfrink it right adfterwards?
Hi Liesel – Thanks for commenting. This most likely won’t have any effect on how much you eat, but would likely still aid in digestion of your food. According to the study though, the best timing is before your eat your meal.
I have recently started drinking water with a splash of apple cider vinegar before and during meals and find it refreshing and my digestions seems to be enhanced. Is this as good as plain water for my system and weight ???
Hi Ozzie – Thanks for the comment. Apple Cider Vinegar has the benefit of helping your body digest calories and balance blood sugar, so you have an added benefit compared to normal water.
Is MIO acceptable or is it full of chemicals?
Hi Sarah – MIO is a beverage sweetener that uses Splenda (one of the safest artificial sweeteners) as well as some vitamins to “enhance” water. Using this over time may keep your taste buds more accustomed to sweeter things instead of good flavors from fruits and vegetables. However, besides that, this product isn’t too bad. I would however recommend avoiding the types which contain caffeine though for optimal energy.
Please help….. I had lost 50 lbs. going to a weight loss clinic through my doctor …. I felt so good, but gradually
are putting it back on (15 lbs.) already in a year. I don’t have a problem with breakfast, but when it comes to
lunch I don’t know what to eat. I am suppose to eat 3 oz. of protein….(meat) or 2oz. of protein and 1 oz. of cheese (slice) and a salad (greens/veggies) I have been doing this for over two years and am so tired of cold meat / salads I could die….. can you suggest anything else I could eat? Also for dinner I have the 3 oz. of meat with a salad (chicken, pork, beef, fish) and a vegetable. I’m just so bored with the same foods.
Appreciate your reply anyone!
Hi Ann – Thank you for your post. It sounds like you are still searching for a long term solution to your weight management. I’ll have someone send you a meal plan to give you some ideas. Also, you might research the book “Eat to Live” by Joel Fuhrman. He lists an eating style similar to our recommended plan.
Good luck!
I drink mostly green tea by a well know distributer, is this an acceptable alternative to water prior to meals?
Hi Dean – Good question. I personally recommend people drink decaffeinated green tea so that they don’t have to worry about caffeine content playing a factor. Otherwise green tea is a great addition to meals. This is a common practice by many cultures.
i have a hard time drinking water…it hurts my stomach (even 4 oz.) and i belch a lot after drinking water. i also feel bloated after a glass of water. help!
Hi Lee – I’m sorry to hear about the reactions to more water! Many times, people can get such reactions initially before your body gets more used to drinking extra water. So it may just take some time.
water goes right through me. if i’m going out i have to avoid it. any answere to this
Hi Shirley – Many have described that drinking extra water causes them to have to use the bathroom a lot more. This is usually an initial reaction and your body can slowly adapt to holding more water over time. Also, try sipping water throughout the day rather than drinking large sums at once. I hope that helps!
I love adding the new MIO flavors to my water. I also have a box of the EMERGEN C packs that have an extra 1000mg of vitamin C in them especially for cold prone times of the year that will soon be coming up. I have the Berry Pomegranate flavor of that and if you don’t like the taste of it you can add orange/tangerine MIO to it to make it good. It helps to drink this for immune system strengthening as well as extra B vitamins and energy benefits. It takes water to a whole new beneficial level.
Hi Sheila – Thank you for sharing. The only word of caution I give to MIO users is that the product contains a lot of artificial sweetener in the form of sucralose (a sweetener that is 600x sweeter than table sugar). This is shown to be safe, but in excess levels it’s not something I would put in to my own system (this may just be a personal choice).
I love taking water before any food and I can see a remarkable weight loss
I literally hate water!I use the crystal light individual packets in my 8oz bottle of water or glass all through the day. I was only drinking 1 glass a day and now I have about 7. What a difference in the way I feel!
DRINKING WATER BEFORE MEALS WILL DILUTE ONE’S ENDOGENOUS DIGESTIVE ENZYMES AND CAN BE POTENTIALLY HARMFUL BECAUSE IT WOULD GREATLY REDUCE NEEDED NUTRIENT DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION. …ALONG WITH THE WEIGHT LOSS. DOESNT SEEM LIKE A GOOD IDEA TO ME. BETTER TO REDUCE HIGH CALORIE FOODS AND EAT A BALANCED DIET OF NOURISHING FOODS AND DRINK WATER BETWEEN MEALS. AND DONT BE LAZY. DO EXERCISE.
Hi Estelle – As I have said to other comments, this is simply not true. Drinking more water with food doesn’t effect the enzymes of the stomach. Water is actually needed for many enzyme reactions to take place so the effect of increased hydration actually improves digestion and absorption of nutrients. This is partially because the stomach’s parietal cells keep a tight control on the amount of gastric enzymes they product, but also as more water is added to meals it dilutes BOTH enzymes and food. So adding water with meals is usually a good thing for everyone, although I’m sure one could make a case of extreme water drinking and the negative effects that would bring.
GENETICS:
Traditionally, original human beings ate one main food at a time- an animal from the hunt, berries from a foraging walk, roots from a digging expedition.
They were eaten on the spot, or as soon as possible (except when there was excess, so preservation methods developed). Simple, and easy on the digestion processes.
Mixed meals of every possible combination, is a recent ‘civilized’ development, but the cost is a big burden on the bio-chemical factory which is our body.
Bio-chemistry prevails throughout. Life evolves and adjusts over time, but the chemical laws prevail.
Water is the universal medium- but the right pH of the resultant solution is critical to get the desired result- efficiently metabolized food..
Everything, every process, and every creature has its optimal operating conditions.
Different individual human beings / races/ types, etc. have different bio-chemical baselines.
To add 16oz water -ESPECIALLY Kangen-type alkaline water – to a protein meal of a person with a low base-level of stomach acid, such as A Blood Types, or an older person, would be especially ill-advised.
But water added to a well-chewed, starchy meal might be beneficial for most people..
Intake everyday bits, extra calcium products (I am a mastectomy patient) garlic, cranberry pills etc.
Will Real Dose be compatible with these doctor suggested pills I take?
I am waiting for my first order of Real Dose and excited to use these pills.
I have about 25 pounds to lose. I am 82 years old and am healthy except I
have had IBS problems which I now am able to control by avoiding fatty
foods etc.
Please advise.
Hi Irene,
Thank you for your post. RealDose Weight Loss Formula No. 1 is decaffeinated and made without harsh stimulants, which is unique in the dietary supplement industry. We formulated RealDose to be safe, non-addictive, and without side effects. We are not aware of any potential food or supplement interactions. We’ve taken great care to formulate RealDose Weight Loss Formula so it will not interfere with most medications, including those for the treatment of diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, and high blood pressure. However, if you have a medical condition or a concern about a potential interaction with RealDose Weight Loss Formula ingredients and the medications you are taking you should always consult with your physician. If you have any other concerns about side effects, interactions or safety or RealDose Weight Loss Formula No. 1, please let us know.
Since my A1C is up, my MD started me on Victoza. Can I still take RealDose?
Hi Gracie, thanks for your comment. We formulated RealDose to be safe, non-addictive, and without side effects. We are not aware of any potential food or supplement interactions. We’ve taken great care to formulate RealDose Weight Loss Formula so it will not interfere with most medications, including those for the treatment of diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, and high blood pressure. However, if you have a medical condition or a concern about a potential interaction with RealDose Weight Loss Formula ingredients and the medications you are taking you should always consult with your physician.
Hello Dr Siskind. Thanks for your reply.
Always take RealDose, green coffee beans, or raspberries with two glasses of water before meals; or just take the water and save your money.
Hi Charlie, I appreciate your opinion, and water is simply irreplaceable , but on it’s own water will not help balance your hormones like WLF1.
I know that drinking water is a great way to weight loss. I read in a study that warm water causes you to lose weight more than warm water. Is there any truth to this? or is water is water is water?
I noticed since I have turned 50 I am having a slower time losing weight. I have been up and down for years. I had a great stretch in my 40s but it creeped back on after menopause with no changes in my diet or activity level.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Hi Barb,
Thank you for your post. When you drink water, your body heats the water up to body temperature, which for most people is about 98.6 degrees. A 2006 study published in “The Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism” estimates that you should burn about 17 calories heating 16 oz. of cold water. If you drink 8 cups of water a day, this sums to 68 calories per day, or about 7 lbs. per year. However, when the researchers examined the actual calories expended heating up 16 oz. of water, the subjects burned only an additional 3.5 calories over 90 minutes. This amounts to only 14 calories per day and sums to less than 1 1/2 lbs. per year. So, your best bet is to drink water whatever way you like it. If you prefer your water a bit warmer, the benefit on appetite suppression of drinking more water outweighs the few calories you’ll burn having your body heat up cooler water.
Hello again Dr Sisskind. I have not eaten meat in four weeks (no red meat in 7 months) and still not loosing any weight. I eat very little simple carbs, and very little fat. I feel doomed to weight problems no matter what. Any ideas?
Hi Gracie,
Thanks So much for your post and I am sorry you are seeing the results that you were hoping for. I know it can be extremely disappointing when yet another weight loss solution is not getting you results. Weight loss is never easy, and can sometimes be extremely frustrating. We have found that one of the best ways to succeed is by getting support from knowledgeable, caring people who can help with your challenges and keep you on track toward your goals. have you heard about our Healthy Life Program?
Just because someone has done some research to support this idea doesn’t mean there are no negative consequences. It concerns me that people are drinking so much fluid before meals without doing anything to improve their digestion. From a naturopathic perspective we know that drinking too much fluid at meal times is going to dilute all digestive secretions which in the long term will have other ramifications like nutrient deficiencies and dysbiosis. Diluting hydrochloric acid in the stomach will lead to amino acid and mineral deficiencies and likely gut dysbiosis.
So it would make sense to me to suggest that if people are going to follow this advice they take digestive enzymes with the water and good dose of apple cider vinegar or some betaine hydrochloride during the meal to compensate.
Hi Kris,
Thank you for taking a moment and posting your questions and concerns to our website. Yes, there are many people who have chronic digestive issues and for whom drinking fluids before their meals may be a complication. And, of course, there is a consideration over what type of fluid is being ingested, whether it’s water, coffee, alcohol, etc. All of which may be an additional complication. In addition, the quality of the food is another consideration: raw or minimally cooked food that still retains moisture content versus, highly cooked/high processed food. So, like most approaches, it’s best to get individualized guidance from a person’s health care professional.
Dr. Sisskind,
Would you mind commenting on the efficacy of raspberry ketones that seem to be the big new diet loss rage?
Thank you,
Teri
Hi Teri,
Thank you for posting to our website. We get a lot of questions about raspberry ketones. The first thing I can say is we’ve taken great care to formulate RealDose Weight Loss Formula so that it will not interfere with most medications, including those for the treatment of diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure. However, you should always consult with your physician regarding any potential interaction with RealDose Weight Loss Formula ingredients and the medications that you are taking or before starting any weight loss program or supplement.
In addition I will say, there have been a few Asian studies in rodents and test tubes showing positive results for weight loss, but no human studies. Based on this fact alone, raspberry ketones would not qualify as a RealDose ingredient, since we will only include ingredients that have been proven in human studies. And for good reason. Just because it works in a rat, doesn’t mean it will work in a person. And this has been shown many times. Third I would ask, if you are not getting the results you desire with raspberry ketones, why try to add something to it? Just a thought. Here is a good article from the LA Times on the topic:
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-raspberry-ketone-20120519,0,1495840.story
I have tried the Raspberry Ketones Dr Oz had on one of his shows and it did not work as well as the green coffee extract. I just ordered a bottle of this and hope its not a scam. I also have put on fat around my midsection and since I turned 60 it will not come off. I have always drank lots of war. I workout five days a week doing five days of cardio and weight lifting. I found that I am an endomorph body type and this is how I came across your product. Waiting for it to arrive.
Hello Bea,
Thank you for taking a moment and posting to our website. We recommend a slow and gradual weight loss of 1-2 lbs/week. This is what is best to prevent the weight from coming back. I don’t want you to get discouraged, because it sounds like you are doing things right. However, because it has taken a while for you to gain the weight, it will most likely take some time to get rid of. How long that is, I couldn’t say, but I have no doubts that with your continued efforts you will eventually see results. We are here to help every step of the way with advice, coaching and guidance so that you don’t feel like you are doing this alone. If you would like help on any area of weight loss which you may be struggling with, please let me know and I could arrange a time for one of our Health Specialists to speak with you about our complimentary Healthy Life Program.
Many years ago we purchased a WaterWise Purification system for the small investment it has been a life saver! My family all drink more water now and it makes everything I use it in taste better. I do cook, drink, and make all my drinks with it. I was informed that people with thyroid disease should drink distiller water, that is why we bought it.
Hi Sue,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Adding citrus such as lemon or lime to your water can provide you with vitamin C and make a basic beverage zestier. However, drinking adequate amounts of water is essential for both weight loss and good health. Opting for lemon water or lime water instead of plain unflavored water will not only make it easier to drink your water, but might also provide you with valuable vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants present in lemon and lime juice can be a healthy addition to your weight loss diet. So, using a water purification system is a good and healthy choice and you won’t have to worry about any harsh chemicals.
Drinking anything before a meal dilutes stomach acid and inhibits digestion.
Hi Mike,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Actually, the opposite may be true. Water consumed before meals stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis, the involuntary contraction and relaxation of muscles that moves food through the GI tract. Some research studies have shown that drinking water before a meal can also boosts your metabolism for up to an hour after being consumed.
Could you comment on Sparkling water – does the carbonation make a negative difference to the water?
Thanks for the great video / article
Hi Joe,
Thank you for stopping by our website. I always enjoy reading the posts and I am glad you enjoyed the video. As for sparkling water, There has been no confirmed research that suggests that sparkling water is bad or good for you. The Times reported that it is not only equally hydrating as flat water but that it can also keep calcium locked in the bones. I hoped this information helped!
From June through November this past year I was able to lose 40 pounds. And water has been vital to that weight loss. I was instructed to keep my water in the refrigerator since you use more calories drinking cold water. Also told to drink 2 glasses of water first thing in the morning (body needs to rehydrate after a night of sleep), one glass with each meal (4 small meals) and one at bedtime, the remainder I drink just sipping water all day long. My total intake has been 3 liters a day. The amazing side effects of the water intake is it reduced my arthritis pain in my knees, helped my breathing (I have COPD) and eliminated the swelling I’ve had trouble with in my ankles. Makes sense considering the large water content in the human body. Didn’t affect my digestion at all, in fact it helped considerably in regularity. As far as frequent urination that too changed after about the 1st 3 weeks. The food consisted of a balance of lean protein, lots of fresh or frozen vegetables, 2 dairy items, 2 pieces of fruit and 2 other carb items a day. The favorite of all of the carb items was the Quinoa. Had never had it before and it satisfies urges for pasta, rice and even potatoes. I did completely neglect watching what I ate during the holidays and I have gained 10 pounds back but with the food and almost no exercise due to winter weather it isn’t so bad. Thanks for all of your articles, I look forward to my emails each day just to see what I can learn or find out that I am doing something right. Didn’t mean to go on so long.
Hi Donna,
Thank you for taking a moment and posting to our website. Please never apologize for the length of your posts. I take great pleasure in reading about customers weight loss success. It sounds like you are on the right track to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Good for you. We are always here to help our customers succeed in anyway that we can. Keep up the hard work; 40 pounds is an outstanding achievement.
Hi Donna, great story. I’m just starting and am waiting to get my pills soon so I hope I can get at least 20 lbs off.
I have always heard that it is better not to drink a lot of water at meal time so our food would digest better. Is there truth to that.
Hi David,
Thank you for taking a moment and posting your question to our website. Actually, it is better to drink a glass of water before your meal. This will help with digestion. So in some ways it is, because it is better to drink water before rather than with.
I’m a 57 year old male. I never feel thristy for water through the day. I have about 4 coffees instead. Closer to bedtime is when I first feel thirsty which means I’m likely to have to wake up during the night. Carrying around a bottle of water reminds me to drink at least a couple of bottles per day. Probably do a bit less snacking too.
I am a good 50 pounds overweight, a lot less flexible, but still energetic and reasonably fit. I go to bed late at night which allows for more mindless snacking of salty items like chips and nuts. Gee, I wonder why I get thirsty then? As a result I don’t wake up hungry so breakfast becomes lunch, etc., etc. The human body resists weight gain but a pound or two a year adds up big time by my age.
My 65 year old brother in law has good habits: eats many small meals, exercises a couple times a day, and plays hockey and golf each 3 times per week (excellant at both–not so much due to habits as natural abilities). He isn’t even 10 pounds heavier than when I met him 40 years ago. 32″ waist compared to my two waists of over 40″.
The message: WE’RE ALL A PRODUCT OF OUR HABITS OVER TIME. They can be good for us or bad for us, but they will become us. So CHOSE YOUR FUTURE WISELY. Don’t believe the MYTHS: 1) .they have “good genes” (jeans?), 2). I’m from a “big boned” family, 3). I have a naturally slow metabolism. OWN IT–SO YOU CAN FIX IT.
I have never been one to drink much water but recently have found that having a squeezable bottle or one that you have to suck on (one with a straw in it) helps me down a whole bottle quite fast! I intend to try your suggestion. I’m 56 and would like to loose 30 pounds.
Hi Carol,
Thank you for sharing your quick tip with the Realdose community. Also, if you need any additional support achieving your weight loss goals, we do have Healthy Life Specialist readily available that can answer any questions you may have or help with meal planning ideas.
Hi Dr. Steve….yes, I will try to incorporate more water….during the winter, when I do drink water, even from tap, I tend to get cold….yes, cold….therefore it seems unappealing….I will also try to chug all of it just prior, and then I get bloated and feel uncomfortable, and then won’t eat my meal….as I’m full….which I guess is the idea, but still, I gotta eat…..I know, solution…drink throughout the day..carry it with me…..not chug before the meal….
are you suggesting drinking this 16 oz of water with each meal in addition to the 4-5 bottles of water that we need to drink every day or is this part of that total amount?…also, I’m surprised there has been no mention of this in any of the posts, but is it normal to have to urinate so much with all this water in my system?…maybe it’s just me, but boy I feel the need to urinate so much more with all this water… : )
Hi Kaloni,
Thank you for posting to our website. 16 oz. of water a day would be included in the 4-5 bottles of water. If you have any additional questions please let me know.
It is a little bit hard for me to consume water, as it is. So, I’ve made it a fun drink by drinking it with a straw! Seems to be more fun that way! Thanks, Judy
I drink tons of water every day…. I take Cymbulta which dries up my saliva so I need to have water with me at all times or I can’t talk or even swallow beside I love the taste of good water…It is my drink of choice seldom do I use anything else but OJ once a while. I use 20 oz bottles of filtered and usually drink at least 5 of them a day… even before meals… but I have a terminal illness and so my body wants to hang onto my fluid, diuretics are barely helping and I am 200 lbs over weight and miserable I have tried every diet that’s out there and nothing works, needless to say I’m depressed and feel like a failure because I can’t control my weight ….any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My Dr’s think my body retains the fluid to try to balance the effects of the illness and hangs onto every calorie to try to heal the body… I’m so tired of being FAT…and sick and tired of being sick and tired!!!!
Hi Kris,
Thank you for taking a moment and posting to our website. I know it can be extremely disappointing when yet another weight loss solution is not getting you results. We recommend a slow and gradual weight loss of 1-2 lbs/week. This is what is best to prevent the weight from coming back. I don’t want you to get discouraged. I would recommend you see an endocrinologist if in fact you are following the proper diet and taking our supplement and still not getting results. It could be a huge help for you.
I use filters like the ones from ClearlyFiltered to remove the fluoride from my drinking water. I also use a tabldet called Nuun to flavor the water – and add some electrolytes and no fake sugar to my water, especially when it is hot and humid outside!
Dear Dr. Susskind:
Although cold water is refreshing to me at times, I can drink only a small amount of it. However, it is much easier to drink large amounts when it is at room temperature. Thank you for your most informative presentation and encouragement. Sincerely, Don Sanders
Drinking water before a meal is great and also if you get a headache drink water. My doctor told me to drink more water for my headachs and it works. That is pure water. I also like Real Meal GF and you use water for this too.
Hi Mary,
Thank you for sharing your tips with the Realdose community . Your Doctor is absolutely correct. In recent studies it has been proven that drinking water can indeed help with headache pain. I am glad that you enjoy our Real Meal GF.
I have heard that it is not safe for your kidneys to drink more then 12 oz
of water at a time. Is this true?
Hi Sara,
Thank you for taking a moment and posting your question to our website. Generally too much water is defined as water consumed above what the kidneys can process in an hour. Extremely healthy kidneys would be able to process about 30 ounces (approx .9 liters) of water in an hour. A person with kidney problems or with only one kidney should drink much less, as per doctor’s instructions. I hope this helps answer your question.
Thank you for sharing this information. Thank you for making the vedio short and to the point. Thank you for not asking me to purchase weight loss items. I will deffinately try this.
Hi Merlene,
Thank you for taking a moment and posting your thoughts to our website. It is a great feeling when you hear from customers, new and old that they believe in our product as much as we all do here at Realdose Nutrition. I would also like you to know that if you ever have any questions about the product or the Fat Loss Fast Start Program we have a wonderful staff of Healthy Life Specialist waiting to assist you if needed. Keep me posted on your weight loss success. And as always, “Here is to your good health”
This is the most bad advice I have ever heard. If you drink two glasses of water before you eat, it stands to reason that you dilute your stomach acid, which in turn would allow your meal to pass through your system without proper digestion. I think you hd better re-evaluate this advice. Sure you lose weight, but also all the proper nutrition needed for good health. I think I will pass on your advice this time around.
Hi Gordon,
Thank you for posting your thoughts to our website. Water consumed before meals stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis, the involuntary contraction and relaxation of muscles that moves food through the GI tract. Again thank you for sharing your thoughts about drinking water before a meal with us.
Hi Dr. Steve..Thank you so much for sharing this fantastic information! I drink 8-16oz. of water with my realdose formula 30 minutes before a meal as suggested, so do I drink another 16 oz. right before eating or is 30 minutes before enough?
Hi Sally,
Thank you for posting your question to our website. Actually drinking a 16 oz. glass 30 minutes before your email while taking your Realdose Formula #1 is perfect.
What is your take on drinking kangen water? That alkaline water we get from this machine made in japan.
I’ll definitlely do the 2 glasses of water before every meal. I’ll start on my next meal since I read this article when I was 80 percent done eating.
Hi Serge,
Thank you for posting to our website. I do not think there is currently enough scientific research about the health benefits that are acclaimed to drinking Kangen water for me to make any kind of recommendation to the fact that kangen water is better for you than good old fashion tap water.
why didn’t Dr. Davy check to see if the group that lost 44% more weight ate less food. Going through the trouble of giving each group the same diet but not checking the amount of food not consumed or amount of calories not consumed was very unscientific, and overlooking this important aspect along with finding out who exercised and who didn’t makes a difference also. Finally the % of weight loss per person or collectivly as a group makes a big differance also because one person could have lost most of the groups weight by not eating hardly any of the meal. So many factors make this a very unscientific experiment. I would not trust Dr. Davy as a Doctor because the protocol for doing comparison experiments was violated and skewed. If Dr. Davy recieved taxpayer dollars for this, I want my money back!
Hello,
Thank you for taking a moment and sharing your thoughts and opinions with the Realdose community. You can learn more about the clinical trials that were conducted by Dr. Davy by reviewing this information: American Chemical Society (2010, August 23). Drink water to curb weight gain? Clinical trial confirms effectiveness of simple appetite control method. I hope this will help clear up any unanswered questions you may have about the recent study.
First and foremost..I thank you for sharing your expertise and we love you for that…here in the Philippines..the rich and famous always drink a cup of hot water after meals instead of coffee or tea…and I asked them why and they said that the hot water melts all the fat that they just ate…I don’t mean melt but when u put fat in the refrigerator ..it turns white and solid and that is what they are avoiding by drinking the hot water,..and means of maintaining or losing weight..what do you say dr.Steven.? Ridiculous or true?
Hi Cynthia,
Thank you for your kinds word and also thank you for sharing your question with the Realdose community. There has been some research conducted that suggests that drinking warm, or hot water with a meal can be beneficial to weight loss. Currently on the market there are several diets and fasts that include drinking warm or hot water with lemon, but there has not been enough scientific research and documented success results for me to say one way or the other that drinking hot or warm water is better than drinking water that is room temperature or cold. I hope I helped answer your question and I would like to thank again for posting to our website.
Hi Dr. Steve. I would like to share a useful tip with you and hope other readers would find it helpful. Frankly, I myself hate drinking plain water especially first thing in the morning! It’s so tasteless! So what i do is, i just add a few seedless prunes into the water and let it steep overnight. When am ready to drink it, i just give a stir and drink the water without eating the fruit because i need the fruit to flavour my drink throughout the whole day! I repeat this process day after
day and i have never looked back since.
Hi Irene,
Thank you for taking a moment and sharing these useful tips with out Realdose community. In addition, you are correct adding fruits to your water can not only add flavor, but also added nutrients to a simple glass of water. Again, thanks for sharing this tip with everyone.
Hi Dr Steve!
Very simply, I drink an 8oz. glass of water with RD WLF1 a half hour before my meals and then sip an 8 oz. glass of water along with my meal/snack ( I try to eat 2 healthy snacks/day)…. I get what I need that way. Also, we can increase the amount of FLUIDS in our day by eating lots of fresh vegetables & berries!! Gosh we tend to make a little thing seem so complicated! I suffered terribly with acid indigestion since I was a child – and learned that if I do not eat the high fat & processed foods and don’t overeat?…..I suffer no more from that affliction! If you overfilleth the cup – the cup spilleth over!
I began taking RD WLF1 on July 2012….I have lost 77.5# as of today! I have that many more pounds to go. I’m enjoying the journey! Thank You so much for your product and input! You have helped me to save my life!
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for taking a moment and sharing your weight loss success with the Realdose community! Way to Go– 77.5 in 7 months; what an amazing accomplishment. Please keep me posted as you continue your weight loss journey. I always enjoy hearing from our customers. Again, Congratulation!
I am 70 years old from today i am 5ft 3 inchhes and weigh72kgs,
I have stunt in one vessel and other 2 vessels blocked by 40%
Will CO Q10 help me I am vegeterian any source from fruits or
vegs ?
Should I reduce weight?
will water intake help me?
Will you reply me on my mail?
Hello Dr Nandlal Sharda,
Thank you for posting your question to our website. It is always best to contact your personal physician when beginning any new diet or weight loss regime when you have medical issues or concerns.
Dear Dr. Steve,
I’ve purchased and tried the Real Dose Weight Loss Formula and wonder what i’m doing wrong. The first day I tried it I experienced an itching all over my body and a tightness in my chest. I contacted your company via the contact and was politely and promptly answered saying that they knew of no allergic reaction to the substance. I’ve since concluded that the tightness in the chest was a coincidence as it turned out that I had a virus of some kind. I’m still wondering about the itching. I read your Fast Start recommendations which I had basically tried doing through another program with the Natural Health Sherpa. I also tried taking the supplement again, but found it very difficult to remember to take 30 minutes before eating a meal. So far, Ive noticed no results. I don’t know if it’s that I’ve not managed to remember it three times per day or that I sometimes slip and have a dessert. I really do not overeat and for the most part keep my calorie count under 1400 calories per day. Any ideas?
Thanks for your input.
Hi Kathyi,
Thank you for posting to our website. The documented results from the studies on Weight Loss Formula No. 1 ingredients were completed on adults who took the product 3 times per day. For this reason, we can’t guarantee you will achieve optimal results if you vary from the recommended dosage. Please keep in mind that RealDose does more than burn fat and decrease appetite. Our formula optimizes hormones without harmful stimulants, allowing you to break through the barriers that have been making it so difficult for you to lose weight. The ingredients raise the hormone (Adiponectin) responsible for burning fat for energy, lower the hormone responsible for cravings and overeating (Ghrelin), and help prevent carbohydrates from turning into fat. It also helps to lower the “bellyfat hormone” (cortisol). We do recommend you take the product 3 times per day as directed on the package. Each capsule should be taken approximately 30 minutes before each healthy meal, however if you forget don’t skip a dose; take it as soon as you remember.
Hello I would like to know if a blood test will show your Ghrelin levels? Thanks
Hi Mary – Thank you for writing in. Testing Ghrelin can be difficult, because it’s level changes very rapidly depending on when you last eat. This hormone increases before meals and decrease after meals, so testing may produce widely different results. What may be more helpful is to keep a food record of what you eat and how hungry you are before and after eating. This commonly reveals other triggers to hunger that you may not be aware of. For instance, factors like caffeine, sleep and stress all significantly affect hunger too. Getting a handle on these is sometimes the best place to start. Not to mention, there are a ton of phone apps out there nowadays too to make this process very simple. I hope that helps!
Drinking water is not a fashionable thing to do (Yet). People just don’t like the bland taste. However if you use one or two drops of flavored stevia in the water it is not harmful and the taste is ok for some people.Just a suggestion.
Looking over the comments, it surprises me that so many people do not like the taste of pure water. By pure I mean no additives, including lemon. Here in Australia the water is amazing… I actually love it and so do my family. I love the taste and I especially love the aaahhhh feeling I get when drinking it on a hot Australian summer day. It is the only thing that quenches my thirst.
I don’t know if the water is different here than other parts of the world but water is something we have always had at our meal table so maybe it is just a matter of getting used to it and loving it for all it’s health benefits. We, including my children, know no different. We enjoy other beverages too so it is not that we only drink water, we just love something that quite literally we can not live without! After all the suggestion is to drink water…not vinegar and like any weight loss journey, a large percentage of success comes from state of mind. No-one said it was going to be easy.
So as for drinking two glasses of pure water before a meal….I say thanks for the suggestion and bring it on!!!
It certainly can’t hurt.
I have been using real dose for one month and have lost 7kg. Am thrilled so far. Am now getting severe indigestion and wonder if this is a known side effect of real dose
Hi Gane,
Thank you for posting to our website. If you feel you have problems with bloating or gas, there are a couple suggestions I can make – it may be because you have increased the amount of fiber in your daily food consumption. If you are consuming a lot of refined flour from breads, pastas, and cereals, it could be also be a reaction to wheat. You might consider doing some research on this, If you find it to be a fit, I would recommend replacing wheat and other processed grains, with high fiber vegetables, greens, beans, nuts and seeds. With that said, it’s very hard to determine if this is the cause of your complaint, so if your symptoms persist or are severe, it’s a good idea to consult with your personal physician.
I have put 4 rubberbands around my 16oz water bottle, and when I finish one I move one of the rubberbands to the top half of the bottle when I refill it, then I know that I have completed the eight 8oz. cups of water for the day. Will try drinking the water before meals now to get the benefit of that!
Awesome article, as this is a historical technique used by the military in basic training (also known as boot camp); mainly to keep troops hydrated (so we were told). Thanks for the reminder, I need to begin this again!