Hydration is extremely important to keep your body functions running efficiently. Water also plays a role in essential body functions such as digestion, metabolism, and weight loss. During the hot and humid season, since we tend to sweat a lot, it becomes even more important to keep our body hydrated. Dehydration can lead to stomach problems like constipation, fatigue, etc .It’s common knowledge that drinking eight glasses of water a day is essential for the body to function properly. However, do you know what is the optimal time and best wayto drink water?
Read the following to find out what is the best time and best way to drink water in order to maximise its effectiveness on your body.
Gulping down water vs drinking it sip by sipWe often hear our elders telling us that gulping down water from a bottle is not the right way to drink water, but instead we should take a glass of water, and drink it sip by sip. This is, perhaps, correct, and a tip we must follow. When you drink water from a bottle, you tend to drink just enough to satiate your thirst for the moment. However, when you drink water from a glass, you are likely to finish the water in it, helping you consume more water. Gulping down water from a bottle is also not recommended as it can make you feel bloated. However, when you drink water from a glass, sip by sip, your body remains hydrated, instead of experiencing any kind of discomfort.
Sit Down to Drink Water Rather than StandingIt is a good idea to always sit and drink water rather than standing. By standing and drinking, you disrupt the balance of fluids in the body and this may lead to a greater accumulation of fluids in the joints causing arthritis. By sitting and drinking, your muscles and nervous system is much more relaxed and helps the nerves to digest food and other fluids easily. Your kidneys also pace the filtration process while sitting.
Drink Room Temperature water, Warm is Even BetterAvoid ice chilled water that disturbs the ongoing process of digestion and puts off the fire. Cold water decreases the blood supply to various organs of the body further leading to constipation. Drinking tepid water can help in proper digestion and metabolism that promotes weight loss, relieves bloating and pain. Warm water helps in in controlling cholesterol levels and also keep the arteries clean.
Drink Only When You are ThirstyYour body sends signals to you when it is in dire need of water. Ayurveda emphasizes on drinking water only when you feel thirsty. Every person has a different body, hence, drinking the same amount of water cannot be recommended to everybody. The body cannot absorb too much water intake; therefore it is imperative to know the thirst cues your body gives you. Measure your own drinking system without feeling too full.
Know the IndicatorsYour Body Gives You When You are Thirsty. Your body gives you cues to let you know it needs water. One being, the color of urine, dark yellow color may indicate dehydration, while fairly clear and straw colored urine is a sign of a hydrated and satiated body. Dry chapped lips are one of the indicators of a dehydrated body. Notice these cues as these may turn into health problems.
Drink Water First Thing in the MorningAyurveda suggests that is a healthy habit to drink water first thing in the morning, which is known as Ushapan. It helps get rid of many diseases in the body. Drinking water in the morning helps in flushing all the toxins in the body and cleanses your intestines.
Drinking Water at the Right Time
After waking upDrink one glass of water after waking up to help activate your internal organs. The water will help to remove any toxins before your first meal of the day.
Before a mealDrink one glass of water 30 minutes before a meal to help digestion. Remember not to drink too soon before or after a meal as the water will dilute the digestive juices. Drink water an hour after the meal to allow the body to absorb the nutrients.
Before a bathDrink one glass of water before taking a bath to help lower your blood pressure.
Before sleepDrink one glass of water an hour before bedtime to replenish any fluid loss that can occur during the night.