Water consumption

I have been drinking 2 to 3 gallons of water a day.  People are telling me that is to much.  I have a very dry mouth due to some medications I am takeing plus I am trying to lose weight. I weigh 300 lbs. and I am 5'3" tall. I have lost 30 lbs. so far.

[Renee Radenberg]

It is wonderful you are trying to loss weight and we need to drink water. We must be careful that we do not drink too little or too much because our bodies need to keep our electrolytes in balance. When we drink too water we loss electrolytes (sodium and potassium), which can affect our heart and cause other medical issues. The recommended daily fluid amount is appropriately 8 8oz cups. Healthy eating and exercise will result in weight loss. Eat low fat meats (chicken, fish, loin of pork) or non meat sources (soy products), low fat vegetarian combinations (rice & beans, pasta & beans, low fat cheese & pasta), fat free or low fat dairy products (skim milk, 1% milk, low fat cheese, low fat yogurts, low fat soy milk/yogurt), and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Eating daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal). Increase your physical activities to 1/2 hour a day. That 1/2-hour can be broken up through the day, 10 minutes here and 20 minutes there. For example, park your car in the back of the parking lot and walk to the store. That will give you additional walking. Portion control is important and here some general tips = ½ cup for all starches and vegetables; one piece of fruit or ½ cup of small fruits; 1 cup for low fat dairy products, and only 3oz of low fat meat or protein substitution a meal (only 6ozs total a day). To help eat less food pre meal, eat about 7-10 almonds (good fat and helps lower cholesterol), 20 minutes before lunch and dinner so you will feel full faster and not eat as much food.  Do not be discouraged, weight loss can be a slow process but the slower you loss, the higher chance it will stay off. Think of this new way of eating as your new healthy lifestyle and not as a diet. That will help you to keep your weight off, and keep your body healthy. Thank you for your question.