Staying hydrated is key to maintaining our overall health. From increased energy, improved mood and enhanced brain performance to weight management and decreased joint pain, drinking water has several health benefits. Many medical experts recommend having a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day. Ayurveda, on the other hand, has its own set of rules and restrictions when it comes to reaping the optimum benefits of drinking water. The ancient Indian medical alternative may not be the most popular in today's time, but it is known for its holistic approach to physical and mental well-being. To get a better understanding of the subject, we spoke with Ayurvedic expert Dr Kriti Soni, Head of R&D, Kapiva.
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Ayurvedic Rules Of Drinking Water
Drink warm or room-temperature water only
Drinking warm water can eliminate symptoms of Kapha dosha, which is the Ayurvedic mind-body element associated with earth and water. It reduces food cravings, helps in improving digestion and brings relief in case of cold and cough. Warm water or 'Ushna Jala' makes you feel lighter and also helps improve the Kapha dosha by eliminating it from the body. In addition, when a person consumes warm water during the whole day, it curbs hunger pangs and lets you limit junk food.
Ice-cold water is a strict NO
Dr Soni advises against the consumption of ice-cold water. According to her, ice-cold water slows down the digestive fire, thereby affecting digestion and the absorption of foods or nutrients by the body.
Avoid drinking water immediately after meals
"Drinking water immediately after meals slows down the digestion process as it makes your meal heavier to digest," says the Ayurvedic expert.
Water should be consumed while seated
Water should always be consumed in a seated position rather than standing, reveals Dr Soni. This helps in the proper and efficient absorption and distribution of the water consumed.
Add a few drops of lemon, some mint leaves, and ginger to your water
To reap more benefits, the doctor says that one can make their water more detoxifying just by adding a few drops of lemon, some mint leaves, and ginger.
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How Much Water Should You Drink In A Day, As Per Ayurveda?
According to Ayurveda, a person should ideally have eight glasses of water per day. However, it can vary depending on a person's weight and gender. As per Dr Soni, women should consume 2L of water and men around 2.5L.
Bottomline
Ayurvedic practices have survived the tides of time. It has gained much momentum in the recent past and continues to be a one-stop solution for many who fail to find answers from new and advanced medical systems. Even when it comes to something as basic as drinking water, Ayurveda has all the answers to how one can get the most out of it.
