How to drink water - the right way!

How to Drink Water – THE Right Way!

We know that life evolved first in an aquatic medium. There is no denying that water is the most essential substance for life. Deprivation of water will kill a subject much earlier than deprivation of salt or food.

The total water content in an adult is 60% to 70% of their body weight and is distributed throughout two main compartments: (1) Intra cellular (2) Extra Cellular. The total water requirement of an adult depends on their body constitution, nature of work, climate, health condition of the person etc.

When more fluid is lost due to reasons as diarrhoea, vomiting, diuresis, sweating, haemorrhage etc, the person feels thirsty and takes more water. Thirst may be defined as “The specific hunger for water” In this way the amount of lost water is replenished. Despite a large amount of water constantly taken in and expelled out from the body, a fairly accurate balance is maintained both in its gain and loss in a healthy person.

In Ayurveda there is good focus on lifestyle with the treatments being very holistic. As per Ayurveda there are many small rules to be followed for intake of water. Pure water is capable of balancing all the 3 doshas and dhatus, sustain life, pleasing or refreshing the mind and body if used carefully.

It further explains that drinking hot water improves digestion; it’s good for anyone who is suffering from cold and cough, respiratory tract infection, rheumatoid arthritis. It is also recommended in obesity treatment and fever. Generally hot water is preferred as a drink for those who are taking medicated ghee or oil which aids easy digestion.

It is mentioned that one has to take solid food half of their stomach capacity, liquid is 1/4^th   and the remaining 1/4^th has to be left empty.

Drinking water before meals causes emaciation and weakness; drinking water just after a meal may result in obesity; drinking little water along with food makes the food get digested well and strengthens the body. Ayurveda recommends water intake based on prakriti, ritu and ones thirst; it never gives one fixed rule as we all have a different body type.

Various medicated water is recommended as per the disease condition and helps in balancing the vitiated doshas. Ingredients that can be added to make water more refreshing, detoxifying and rejuvenating are: mint leaves, jeera, lemon, ginger, tulsi leaves, cucumber, etc. You can add these according to your taste and needs. Few Ayurvedic products readily available are:

1. Sheetasudha (Dootapapeshwar): Is a Natural coolant and neutralizes excess heat in the body.
2. Coolmelon Syrup (Atrimed): Prevents gastritis & reduces excess heat in the body.
3. Amla Juice
4. Lemon Ginger Juice
5. Brahmi Juice and Nannari juice

You can book your e-consultation with trusted Ayurvedic specialists at Brahmionline to discuss your health problems and get advice on the right products which help in boosting the immune system of the body naturally.

 

Dr Mallika B.S. BAMS

Ayurveda Physician

Brahmionline,

Bengaluru

8660501245