Question:
Some folks swear that drinking plenty of water substantially contributes to weight loss by helping the body rid itself of toxins. Any truth to this?

Answer: Yes in the sense of no.

Yes, it substantially contributes to weight loss because it makes you feel full and also because it protects you from dehydration. It has a lot of other benefits, too--it keeps your phlegm from drying up and clogging, it keeps you cooler, and some people swear it helps their skin clear up.

No, this toxin stuff is hooey, unless you drink so little that you get dehydrated. The waste products of the body are going to come out as sweat, urine, and bile. If you drink lots of water they'll come out dilute; if you drink less they'll come out concentrated. That's all.

Obtaining adequate fluids is also important in helping to avoid constipation. And to avoid dehydration (remember, we're trying to be more active. The more you breath, the more water you lose on every exhale. And then there is actual sweat, a more noticeable method of water loss