The Japanese Water Diet isn’t a traditional weight loss diet but a set of rules to follow if you want to lose weight and reduce water retention.
Effective for reducing bloating in the stomach and legs, this diet doesn’t require many sacrifices but rather focuses on incorporating water correctly into your daily routine.
Officially approved by the Japan Medical Association, it is a protocol that pays attention to how much water to drink and when to do so starting from early in the morning.
Here’s how it works specifically.
Water Types to Drink
Before discussing the how and when, let’s analyze the “what.” Not all water is suitable: according to the original protocol of this diet is the characteristics of the water are crucial.
The water should be fresh: not frozen as it might cause gastric discomfort, but still reasonably cold.
In addition to temperature, composition is also important: it should be free of fluoride and limescale.
Filtered water from pitcher filters as well as bottled mineral water are both acceptable.
How Much Water to Drink Upon Waking Up
Upon waking up, immediately after getting out of bed, you should drink 4 glasses on an empty stomach, with a few seconds’ pause between each glass.
Since you’re on an empty stomach, drink very slowly to avoid stressing your gastric and digestive systems.
After drinking the 4 glasses, it is recommended to wait at least 45 minutes before having breakfast.
At first, you might find the quantity of 4 glasses to be excessive. Don’t force it; if your stomach doesn’t handle that much load, start with smaller amounts.
Two glasses are fine to begin with, gradually increasing until you reach four.
Whether you start with two or four glasses, the waiting time before having your first meal of the day remains the same: 45 minutes.
How Much Amount to Drink Before a Snack
You should also follow the drinking protocol before a snack.
In short: for any solid food you consume, you need to drink beforehand.
If main meals require 4 glasses to be drunk 45 minutes prior, for snacks, both the quantity and timing are reduced.
One glass will suffice, to be drunk about fifteen minutes before the snack.
If the snack is high in calories, drink two glasses. However, remember that water alone won’t work miracles: to lose weight, what you eat should be low in calories and fats.
How Much Liter to Drink Before Main Meals
For lunch and dinner, follow the same procedure as for breakfast: 4 glasses on an empty stomach.
Remember to sip slowly, taking breaks between glasses. This should be done 45 minutes before the meal.
The Japanese diet provides guidelines not only on how and how much to drink before meals but also after.
For at least a couple of hours after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s prohibited to drink water.
If you’re extremely thirsty, you can sip warm water in small amounts. This way, you won’t disrupt gastric and digestive processes.
However, it’s best to avoid introducing water into your stomach for two hours after a meal.
Benefits of the Water Diet
This Japanese diet offers numerous benefits. The key is in its source: water.
It supports digestive function, counteracts intestinal peristalsis, and thus helps prevent abdominal bloating.
It also benefits the skin, making it more elastic and healthy when hydration is optimal.
Drinking has a detoxifying effect: it’s the number one detox practice, especially if consumed on an empty stomach.
On an empty stomach, drinking water also helps control hunger and supports lymphatic system efficiency.
Even those with high blood pressure, gastritis, or arthritis may benefit from this hydration practice, but it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any diagnosed conditions.
Possible Side Effects
Besides the benefits, there might be some side effects.
Initially, you may experience symptoms like itching, dizziness, headaches, sweating, and bad breath.
These are consequences of the body detoxifying due to the detox effect, so there’s no need to worry. However, it’s always wise to monitor any side effects.
Lastly, never exceed 2 liters per day, as doing so could strain and possibly damage the urinary system.
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This article first appeared on Grazia.it- Author: Camilla Sernagiotto
