In this post, we’ll unpack all you need to know about water based on Ayurveda, including its qualities, when and how you should consume it, what temperature water you should consume and more.
The Qualities Of Water According To Ayurveda
Ayurveda describes the qualities of water as enlivening, satiating, good for the heart, pleasing to the mind, stimulating for mind and pure.
Furthermore, Ayurveda states that water maintains the health of all the tissues (dhatus), sustains life, delays the ageing process and balances all 3 Doshas when used appropriately.
When Should You Consume Water According To Ayurveda?
According to Ayurveda, water should ultimately be consumed whenever one is thirsty. Thirst is a natural urge and natural urges should be satisfied as soon as they arise. Ayurveda also advocates consuming water first thing in the morning to flush toxins out of the system.
However, when it comes to food, Ayurveda recommends consuming water a minimum of thirty minutes before a meal to stimulate digestion, sipping water during a meal but not in excess ― the key is to drink enough to create a soup-like consistency in the stomach ― and consuming water a minimum of sixty minutes after a meal.
“Water before a meal is nectar because it replenishes fluids and encourages juicy digestive organs. Small sips during a meal is honey because helps turn the food into a sauce. Water after a meal is poison because it dilutes stomach acids.” ― Dr. Vasant Lad
How Should You Consume Water According To Ayurveda?
Water should always be consumed while one is seated. This helps in proper and efficient absorption and distribution of the water consumed in the body.
Water should be consumed in small sips and not gulped down in big volumes in one breath. This helps in preventing dilution of the blood and gastric juices.
What Temperature Water Should You Drink According To Ayurveda?
Ayurveda strictly condemns consuming any form of cold water at anytime during the day because it weakens digestion. Instead, it recommends consuming either room-temperature, warm or hot water which strengthens digestion.
Water & Weight
Ayurveda states that water consumed before a meal contributes to weight loss. Water consumed during a meal contributes to weight maintenance. Water consumed after a meal contributes to weight gain.
Thus, Ayurveda recommends that obese individuals should consume water before a meal and lean individuals should consume water after a meal.
This is supported by a study in the Journal of Clinical Diagnostic Research which showed that drinking sixteen ounces of water before meals can increase thermogenesis (the generation of heat in the body) which increases metabolism and supports healthy weight balance.
Summary
Ayurveda describes the qualities of water as enlivening, satiating, good for the heart, pleasing to the mind, stimulating for mind and pure. It states that, when consumed appropriately, water maintains the health of all the tissues (dhatus), sustains life, delays the ageing process and balances all 3 doshas
Ayurveda recommends consuming a glass of water thirty minutes before a meal, consuming sips of water during a meal and consuming water at least sixty minutes after a meal.
