How to: Drink Water

Yes really… there is a “how” to drink water. Water is often described as the elixir of life, and for good reason. It plays a vital role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. In Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that originated in India, water is considered a sacred element and is believed to have profound effects on our physical, mental, and spiritual health. Ayurvedic wisdom offers valuable insights into the art of drinking water for optimal health and balance. In this blog post, we’ll explore Ayurvedic tips for drinking water mindfully and harmonizing your body’s natural rhythms.

Understanding Your Unique Constitution (Dosha):

In Ayurveda, individuals are classified into three primary constitutional types, or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha has specific characteristics, and the way you drink water can be tailored to your dosha to promote balance.

1. Vata Dosha: People with a dominant Vata dosha tend to have dry and cold qualities. To balance Vata, it’s recommended to drink warm or room temperature water throughout the day. Avoid ice-cold water, which can exacerbate Vata imbalances.
2. Pitta Dosha: Pitta-dominant individuals are often warm and fiery. They benefit from cool, but not ice-cold, water. Sipping on cucumber-infused water or mint water can help pacify excess heat and acidity in the body.
3. Kapha Dosha: Kapha dosha individuals are characterized by stability and moisture. Drinking warm or hot water with a squeeze of lemon in the morning can help stimulate digestion and balance Kapha.

Timing Matters:

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of timing when it comes to drinking water. Here are some Ayurvedic recommendations:

1. Start Your Day with Warm Water: Drinking a glass of warm water in the morning helps kickstart your digestive system, flush out toxins, and hydrate the body after a night’s rest.
2. Sip Throughout the Day: Rather than guzzling large quantities of water all at once, sip small amounts of water throughout the day to stay consistently hydrated. This approach supports optimal digestion and absorption.
3. Avoid Drinking During Meals: Ayurveda suggests avoiding drinking water during meals as it can dilute digestive juices. Instead, drink water 30 minutes before a meal or wait at least an hour after eating. Drinking super small sips of water can help with digestion, but I mean, literal baby sips.
4. Herbal Infusions: Consider infusing your water with Ayurvedic herbs like ginger, cardamom, or fennel to enhance flavor and therapeutic benefits.

Listen to Your Body:

Ayurveda teaches us to listen to our body’s signals. Pay attention to your thirst cues and drink water when you genuinely feel thirsty. Overhydrating or forcing yourself to drink excessive water can disrupt the body’s natural balance.

QUALITY Over Quantity:

In Ayurveda, the quality of water matters just as much as the quantity. Opt for clean and pure filtered water. Avoid tap water and plastic bottled water as microplastics leach into the water from the plastic bottles, where they can absorb and release harmful chemicals, causing inflammation in the body and harming the immune system. For an excellent water filtration system, consider ones like the AquaTru or the Melissani. I’ve listed a few options below at various price points so you can find the perfect water filtration system for your home, ensuring that the water you consume is free from contaminants and impurities, aligning perfectly with Ayurvedic principles.

Remineralize:

Remineralizing your purified water is a crucial step in ensuring that your hydration supports overall health. While the purification process effectively removes impurities, it can also strip the water of essential minerals that are beneficial for our well-being. Reintroducing these minerals into your water can enhance its taste and health benefits. The easiest and most cost-effective route is to add a pinch of high-quality sea salt (Himalayan pink salt or Celtic Sea Salt), or a trace mineral supplement to your purified water. Hot tip: Add a pinch of the salt directly to your tongue and let it dissolve before drinking your water. These natural mineral sources not only restore vital electrolytes but also contribute to better hydration, improved taste, and the maintenance of pH balance in the body. When choosing these additives, it’s essential to select reputable brands that have undergone rigorous heavy metal testing to ensure that the minerals you’re adding are free from contaminants. These are some of my favorites and are well-known for their commitment to purity and transparency, making them excellent choices for remineralizing your purified water effectively and safely.

Speak to your water:

Yes, I mean literally talk into your water glass. Water holds memory. If you haven’t seen the documentary “Secret Of Water” or read any work by Dr. Masaru Emoto, that is a MUST. Water goes deep into the cells of our bodies, so speaking positive affirmations into your water before consumption changes its vibration and is a really powerful tip for healing and manifesting.

Being mindful and incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your water-drinking habits can lead to improved digestion, increased energy, and overall well-being. By understanding your dosha and considering the timing and quality of your water intake, you can harness the power of this essential element to support your holistic health journey. Embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda and make the art of drinking water a mindful practice in your daily life. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it.