Normally functioning kidneys can handle more than 0.7 L (24oz) of fluid per hour.
Drinking several liters over a relatively short period of time could be enough to cause water intoxication. Symptoms of water intoxication include confusion and headaches.
Looks like you're fine to pound up to 24 oz. The daily recommended water intake for someone with your stats is 3.7 liters a day.
As you know water consumption is great for achieving your goal. Water suppresses the appetite and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Water also helps to maintain proper muscle tone by giving back the muscles’ natural ability to contract and by preventing dehydration.
Also several resources suggest drinking cold water rather than warm. Apparently cold water is absorbed more quickly than warm.
You may want to look into water therapy too. Basically you drink up to 22 oz. of water first thing when you wake up (before you brush your teeth.) Then you can brush, followed by no eating or drinking for 45 minutes.
For more information:
http://www.pyroenergen.com/articles/drinkwater.htmhttp://www.knowledgebase-script.com/dem ... e-113.htmlFor a provocative anti drinking water article visit this site:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... d=89323934Sources:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/6263029.stmhttp://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/20/004/0.pdfhttp://www.tucsonmedical.com/pdf/drinking_water.pdfhttp://www.aakp.org/newsletters/KB--Ele ... uch-Water/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potablehttp://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water_ ... g-more.htm