If you have ever suffered from water retention, struggled with weight loss or both then you need to read this article in its entirety.

Firstly I will let you into a little secret, water is the key to weight loss and most people don't drink enough of it.

When you don't drink enough water, your body will bring in a survival tactic that is designed to keep you alive by retaining the fluid already in your system.

This is stale fluid full of toxins and will make you feel heavy and bloated and is referred to as water retention.

If you keep in mind that a pint of pure water weighs a pound and a quarter, and a gallon weighs ten pounds, you can see how easily retaining water can increase your weight.

Taking tablets to relieve this symptom will leave your body dangerously dehydrated.

In many cases this will then lead to a state of constipation, which will make you feel even heavier and more bloated.

This is the beginning of a vicious circle, because in this state you a more than likely to cut down on your food intake as a way of relieving yourself of these unwanted feelings. Cutting down on your food intake is the last thing you need to do.

Water helps to flush the toxins out of your body.

Water aids with digestion.

Water hydrates your skin.

Water gives your skin a plumped up appearance.

Water is a vital component to weight loss and you will find that in most cases the initial weight loss that you experience is entirely made up of retained water and not body mass or fat.

This is why when you begin a new diet you will usually shed pounds within the first week as your body rids itself of excess water, and then your rate of weight loss will slow down considerably.

To keep the momentum with regular weight loss it is best to drink plenty of water, eat plenty of fresh fruit and raw vegetables such as salad and take plenty of gentle exercise.