Drinking water in the morning is thought to offer numerous health benefits. Japanese water therapy, in particular, is believed to promote better digestive health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and potential side effects of Japanese water therapy.

What is Japanese Water Therapy?

Japanese water therapy has long been a part of traditional Japanese medicine. It is believed to support weight loss, improve digestion, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

How to practice Japanese water therapy?

• Drink 4–5 glasses of room temperature water (about 160 ml each) immediately after waking up, before brushing your teeth. After drinking the water, wait for 45 minutes before having breakfast.

• When eating, limit meal time to 15 minutes, and wait at least 2 hours before consuming anything else.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Practitioners of this therapy recommend different durations depending on the condition being treated. For instance:

• To treat constipation: follow for 10 days.

• For type 2 diabetes: follow for 30 days.

• For hypertension: follow for 30 days.

Japanese Water Therapy for Weight Loss

While there isn’t much scientific evidence specifically supporting the use of water therapy for weight loss, staying hydrated throughout the day remains important for overall health.

Drinking enough water helps keep the body hydrated, which positively impacts various bodily functions, such as:

• Improving brain function

• Maintaining body energy

• Preventing constipation and kidney stones

• Reducing the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes

Though not a primary weight loss method, the habit of drinking water regularly can complement a healthy lifestyle and support the weight loss process in several ways, including:

Prevent Overeating

Drinking more water can help you feel fuller, as water takes up space in the stomach. This effect can prevent overeating, which could otherwise contribute to unwanted weight gain.

A study showed that obese adults who drank 500 ml of water about 30 minutes before meals consumed about 13% less food compared to those who didn’t drink water before eating.

Boost Resting Energy Expenditure

Research indicates that drinking water, especially cold water, can increase resting energy expenditure (REE), which is the number of calories the body burns while at rest.

Drinking cold water requires the body to expend extra energy to warm it to body temperature. This process, called thermogenesis, helps boost REE.

Although the increase may be modest, regularly drinking water can still help support metabolism and the body’s overall calorie-burning process.

Reduce Excess Calorie Intake

Studies have shown that replacing sugary drinks with water can help reduce calorie intake, which in turn prevents weight gain. Additionally, leaving a gap of around 15 minutes between meals and snacks can help the body better recognize feelings of fullness, naturally reducing the urge to overeat.

Risks of Japanese Water Therapy

While drinking enough water is essential for your health, excessive consumption in a short period can lead to water intoxication or overhydration.

This occurs when the body takes in too much fluid, causing a dilution of sodium in the blood, which can disrupt cell and organ function.

Symptoms of overhydration include nausea, vomiting, headaches, seizures, and in severe cases, coma.

A comprehensive weight loss program must address factors such as physical activity, diet, quality sleep, and hydration. Relying solely on Japanese water therapy is not sufficient for optimal, healthy weight loss.

If you have concerns about weight loss, it’s advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist. You can also use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, available for download from the App Store or Play Store.

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