We all know how essential water is for our body, but simply drinking water isn’t enough. It’s equally important to drink it in the right quantity and in the right manner. While most people are aware of how much water they should consume in a day, very few know the proper way to drink it. According to Ayurveda, if water is consumed the right way, it can prevent a host of diseases and significantly improve overall health. So, when water plays such a vital role in our lives, why not learn the correct way to drink it? Let’s take a look at some Ayurvedic guidelines for drinking water.
Always Drink Water While Sitting
You may have heard from elders that one should always sit down while drinking water to avoid joint pain. Ayurveda supports this advice. When you drink water while standing, your body struggles to absorb it properly, putting unnecessary pressure on the kidneys and joints. This can lead to joint pain over time. That’s why it’s advised to drink water while seated and relaxed.
Sip Water Slowly, Like You’re Eating It
In a hurry, many people tend to gulp down large quantities of water at once. However, Ayurveda strongly discourages this. Instead, you should sip water slowly — almost as if you’re chewing it. The more time you take to drink water, the more beneficial it becomes. This allows your saliva to mix well with the water, which aids digestion and enhances its health benefits.
Avoid Drinking Water Just Before or After Meals
You’ve probably been told not to drink water right before or after meals — and there’s good reason behind it. According to Ayurveda, drinking water at these times weakens the digestive fire (Agni), which is responsible for breaking down and digesting food. Weak digestion can lead to issues like bloating, gas, acidity, and stomach pain. It’s best to drink water at least 30 minutes before or about an hour after eating.
Avoid Excessively Cold Water
Ayurveda also advises against drinking very cold water. Although it may feel refreshing, especially in summer, cold water can disturb your digestive system and cause constipation. Instead of reaching for chilled water from the fridge, opt for water at room temperature. If it’s too hot outside, mildly cool water from an earthen pot or a mix of cold and room temperature water can be a healthier choice.
Store Drinking Water in the Right Vessels
The kind of vessel you store water in can also affect its quality. Ayurveda recommends storing drinking water in copper or silver vessels. Water stored in such containers helps balance the body’s three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It also improves digestion and boosts immunity. If you’re looking to enhance the health benefits of your water, consider switching to copper or silver containers.
In conclusion, water is life, but only when consumed the right way. By following these Ayurvedic principles, you can transform your daily habit of drinking water into a powerful health practice.