Do you drink 8 glasses of water on a daily basis? If the answer is no, then this is the right time to start drinking. If you do not consume sufficient water then there are a few side effects, similarly how the water is consumed is equally important. As per the principles of Ayurveda, the overall health is affected by the way we choose to drink water. As per Ayurveda, water is the manifestation of consciousness. Water is a chemical energy and it exists in our body in the form of plasma, saliva, cytoplasm, nasal secretion, serum, sweat and urine. Therefore, it is needless to say that water is necessary for purpose of absorbing nutrients and maintaining it. The cells cannot survive without water. Here we shall discuss some Ayurvedic tips for drinking water that you probably did not know.
Sit down while drinking water:
Sitting and drinking water is a good idea rather than standing. When you stand and drink water then the balance of fluids of your body is disrupted. This can ultimately result in the accumulation of fluids in the joints resulting in arthritis. When we sit and drink water, then the nervous system and muscles are much more relaxed thereby aiding in digesting foods and fluids. The filtration process of the kidneys is also paced when we are sitting.
Water at room temperature or warm is better:
Avoiding cold or chilled water is suggested as cold water is not beneficial for the process of digestion. The blood supply to various organs of the body is disrupted due to the consumption of cold water which might then lead to constipation. When we drink tepid water, it helps in digestion procedure and boosting metabolism that helps in weight loss and provides relief from pain and bloating.
Avoid large volumes of water:
Drinking large volumes of water must be avoided. Taking small sips of water and swallowing it is to be repeated throughout the day. This process is also true for foods. As per Ayurvedic expert, Dr Akhilesh Sharma, how we consume water must be in accordance with the doshas in our body. There are three doshas, pitta, kapha and vata. People with pitta prakruti needs to have small sips of water during meals to start the process of digestion whereas people with kapha prakurti shall drink water before their meals to avoid overeating. People with vata dosha needs to drink water only after 1 hour of consuming their meal.
Drink when thirsty:
Our body tends to give us signals when we are thirsty. Ayurveda emphasizes the fact that we must drink water only when we are thirsty. Water consumption varies from person to person and so the same quantity cannot be recommended to everybody. Too much of water intake is not good as the body cannot absorb so much water.
Know the indicators:
Our body gives us cues when it needs water. For example, the colour of the urine must be clear. A dark yellow colour of the urine indicates that the body is dehydrated. If your body is dehydrated then you will also have dry chapped lips. Check out for such cues as they may develop into health problems.
The first thing in the morning:
Ayurveda suggests that the first thing that you must drink is water. This process helps in getting rid of many diseases in the body and it also helps in flushing all the toxins while cleansing the intestine.
Stored in silver and copper vessels:
Water stored in copper and silver vessels are good for the body. When we consume the water that is stored in these vehicles then it balances the three doshas of the body. The water gets positively charged and it also has anti-cancer properties. When the water is stored in a silver vessel then it has the power to remove free radicals while providing a cooling effect in the intestines. The process of digestion is also strengthened through the consumption of this water.
Summertime is called as the “pitta season” while the afternoon time is referred to as pitta kaal which is the hottest time of the day. As suggested by Ayurveda, one should drink maximum water during the day so that the body temperature is maintained. You may also incorporate some items in the water such as fennel seeds, lemon, khaskhas, fennel seeds, mint, kokum and rose petals. This also ensures that the body heat is maintained.