How Much to Drink: The Ayurvedic Perspective on Water -

Maharishi Vagbhata outlines the importance of water in maintaining optimal health. However, it is important to know when, how and how much water to consume in order to truly benefit from water.

Starting Your Day Right: Begin your day by drinking water. Opt for warm water at body temperature, sipped slowly like hot tea to maximize saliva intake into the stomach. If using a copper or mud pot, warming the water is necessary. It’s advisable to take a break from drinking water from a copper pot every few months to maintain balance.

Recommended Intake: For those below 18 and above 60, limit water intake to 1.5 to 2 glasses, while others should aim for up to 1.25 liters, equivalent to a minimum of 3 glasses. This is the only time one should be drinking without thirst and yields significant health benefits. Take small sips consistently. Sustain for six months to experience improved freshness, digestion, sleep quality, and pain relief.

Sipping Method: Always consume water sip by sip, akin to drinking hot tea, to aid digestion and overall well-being. Do not gulp.

Optimal Temperature: Avoid cold water; instead, opt for warm or body-temperature water. Cold water can lead to reduced blood supply to organs, potentially causing organ weakening and failure over time, along with complications such as constipation. This advice extends to other cold foods as well.

Water Before Meals: If drinking water before meals, ensure a 40-minute gap to aid digestion. Post-meal, rinse your mouth and throat with a few sips of warm water. Fresh fruit juice after breakfast and buttermilk after lunch can alleviate thirst without hindering digestion, while milk is suitable after dinner.

Water During Meals: Drinking water during meals should be avoided, but if there is a tendency for thirst, one may have warm/ hot water, vetiver tea or cumin tea (water boiled with cumin seeds) may be consumed. Absolutely avoid drinking fruit juices or other cold drinks during meals as this cools the digestive fire and prevents assimilation of nutrients while increasing the accumulation of toxins.

Water After meals: Bhojanante Visham Vaari (Water at the end of the meal is akin to poison) Refrain from drinking water just before or after meals, as it disrupts digestive fire (Jathaaragni), leading to acid reflux and gas production. Ideally, maintain a gap of 30 min to 1 hour between food and water intake, adjusting based on geographical and environmental factors.

Recommended Quantity: Calculate your water intake by dividing your weight by 10 and subtracting 2. This formula provides an estimate of daily water needs. For example, a

Choice of Container: Opt for a lota over a tumbler, as its spherical shape reduces surface tension, enhancing cleansing properties. Well water is preferred for its purity, as recognized by traditional practices.

Conclusion: In conclusion, water is not just a basic necessity but a powerful tool for maintaining health and vitality. By understanding the significance of water quality, timing, and quantity, we can harness its potential to support overall well-being and vitality.

We thank Dr. Rajiv Dixit for making this information accessible. Click here to view his videos.