96% People Drink Water in The Wrong Way: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Drinking chilled water, taking big gulps, standing or walking while drinking, drinking water during or immediately after meals, and drinking water during yogasana sessions are some of the common mistakes people make.
Water is an essential component of the human body. In fact, the human body is made up of 78% water, and this natural element is vital for good health. However, many people do not give enough attention to the way they drink water, and as a result, they make certain mistakes that can lead to health issues. In this article, we will discuss some common mistakes people make while drinking water and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Drinking Chilled Water
During hot summers or after a hard workout, it may be very tempting to reach out for a chilled glass of water from the fridge. However, Ayurveda and yoga both advise against drinking chilled water, as it disturbs the digestive temperature and gastric juices in the body. When you drink chilled water, your body has to spend extra energy to warm it up, and this energy is not readily available to digest food. Therefore, it is recommended to drink water at room temperature or slightly warm. Warm water can improve your digestion, improve blood circulation, and keep your arteries clean.
Mistake #2: Taking Big Gulps of Water
Gulping down large amounts of water can upset your stomach. Our saliva is alkaline in nature, and it neutralizes the acidity in our stomach. If you take big gulps of water, it doesn't get enough time to mix with saliva, which can cause acid reflux and related problems. The right way to drink water is to sip it little by little. This way, water can mix with saliva completely before it goes down into your system. Sipping water also helps the body absorb more water and keep you hydrated.
Mistake #3: Standing, Walking, or Running While Drinking Water
When you drink water while standing, walking, or running, it directly flows down into your digestive system in a straight gush. As a result, the required water and nutrients don't get absorbed properly, leading to the deposit of impurities in your kidneys and bladder. It is recommended to sit and relax while drinking water. This way, your muscles and nerves are relaxed and ready to absorb more water.
Mistake #4: Drinking Water During or Immediately After Meals
Drinking water during meals or immediately after meals can dilute the digestive juices and interfere with the digestive process. If any food is left undigested in your stomach, it can cause acid reflux and heartburn. It is best to drink water 30 minutes before your meals and 60 to 90 minutes after your meals. This will maintain the concentration of digestive juices and enzymes at a normal range. A little amount of water is required for effective digestion, and you can supply this by taking buttermilk, soup, or any other liquid during meals.
Mistake #5: Drinking Water During Yoga Sessions
Those who do yoga regularly must avoid drinking water during the practice as far as possible. This is because it brings down the ojas (vital energy) that is required for effective practice. However, if your body demands it, please feel free to sip a little water. It is better to drink sufficient water well in advance before practicing yoga. This way, your body will hydrate properly, and it will be easy for you to go deeper into your practice without feeling fatigued. If you are doing a sequence leading from one asana to another, like Surya Namaskar, it is good to focus on the sequence instead of being distracted by the thought of drinking water.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
As mentioned earlier, the ideal amount of water one should drink varies from person to person. It depends on various factors such as age, weight, health, and activity level. On average, it is recommended to drink at least 2 to 2.5 liters of water every day. However, it is important to note that drinking too much water can also be harmful. Your body tries to maintain a healthy water level by excreting excess water in urine. Drinking too much water can lead to water intoxication, a condition in which levels of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes become diluted. On the other hand, if you don't drink enough water, your body won't pass much urine because it tries to maintain an appropriate level of water. Dehydration symptoms include dark urine, dizziness, and tiredness. Therefore, it is best to find the right balance and bring the required quantity of water as per your body's needs.
Conclusion
Water is the essence of life, and drinking it the right way is essential for maintaining good health. In this article, we discussed some of the common mistakes people make while drinking water. Drinking chilled water, taking big gulps, standing or walking while drinking, drinking water during or immediately after meals, and drinking water during yogasana sessions are some of the common mistakes people make. We also talked about the right way to drink water, which is to sip little by little, sitting and relaxing while drinking, drinking water at room temperature, and avoiding drinking water during or immediately after meals and yogasana sessions. Finally, we talked about how much water one should drink and the importance of finding the right balance.
It is important to remember that water is not just a thirst quencher but also essential for our overall health. Drinking water correctly can improve digestion, blood circulation, and keep our arteries clean. It is important to make drinking water a habit and to consume the right quantity at the right time. This will ensure that your body is properly hydrated, and your digestive system works effectively. So, the next time you reach out for a glass of water, make sure to do it mindfully, sip by sip, and keep your body hydrated and healthy.