Do you drink enough?

The original Ayurvedic texts are full of references to all natural kinds of water.  Whether it is spring water, water from a well, pond or rain water - our most important element and its effects on our physical well-being are described in great detail.

Water is the foundation of all life.  Our whole well-being depends on water.  The earth as well as the human body consist of almost 70% water.  It regulates the functions of us as an organism and allows cells to communicate with each other.  Also, it is water that allows us to experience our awareness, to think and feel.

Water carries all physical and mental information.  It transports nutrients, eliminates metabolic waste products, supports purification and regulates body temperature.   Because every human being eliminates 1.5 to 2 litres of water every day, we have to drink the same amount to replenish.
Ayurveda offers many alternatives to take in the daily amount of liquids in form of spicy teas, hot water, boiled herbal drinks or lassis.

The most important advantages of water from an Ayurvedic perspective:

• Water gives life.
  
  
• It calms the mind and bestows contentment.
  
  
• Water is refreshing and easily absorbed by the body.
  
  
• It counteracts fatigue.
  
  
• Water supports the elasticity of the skin.
  
  
• It prevents digestive problems.
  
  
• It purifies the body from within and the outside.
  
  
  Some people have dry skin and are very thirsty even though they drink a lot of water.  The cause for this may be that their Agni (the digestive fire) is weak.  Also, excessive Ama (metabolic waste products) may hinder the absorption of water into the cells.
  
  In Ayurveda it is recommended to support the absorption of water by boiling water for a while and to increase its efficacy by adding spices or herbs.
  
  Boiling water for a longer time increases the energy of water; it acquires a quality which is called sukshma (=permeating) in Ayurveda.
  
  Because it allows the water to permeate deeply into the physiology, it purifies the more subtle channels (Srotas) of the body.
  Drinking hot water regularly is a simple Ayurvedic recommendation.  Water which has been boiled for a few minutes immediately stimulates Agni which is why nutrients can be transformed and absorbed more easily.  In between meals, a drink of hot water effectively supports the elimination of soluble toxins from the Dhatus (body tissues).
  
  Adding spices increases its efficacy and the smell and taste make for a soothing sensual experience.
  
  Water for your Constitution. Try this special method of preparing water to balance the three Doshas.  Allow the spices listed in the recipe to steep for at least 10 minutes in hot water.  Drain the water afterwards, pour it into a flask and sip it during the course of your day.
  
  
  Hot water which calms Vata. Boil 2 litres of water for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and add 3 mint leaves, 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds and 1/4 teaspoon marshmallow root.
  When you drink it, it should be warm, but not too hot.
  
  
  Hot water which calms Pitta. Boil 2 liter water for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and add 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, 2 organic rosebuds and one whole glove.   Pour the water into a flask and pour it into a cup so it can cool down before you drink it.  The water can be drunk at room temperature in summer; in winter you can drink it at a warmer temperature.
  
  
  Hot water to stimulate Kapha. Boil 2 litres of water for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and add three whole basil leaves, two thin slices of fresh ginger, 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds and 1/2 teaspoon fennel. Sip the water at a temperature that ranges from warm to hot over the course of your day.
  
  How much water is enough?
  According to the science of Ayurveda the recommended amount of water (between 1.5 liters to 3 liters) depends on various factors such as your type of constitution, your nutrition, age, amount of work, stress level and the weather.
  
  People who have a rather hot Pitta-Dosha are generally thirstier than people who are characteristically more Kapha.  Since older people do not discern easily whether they are thirsty or not, the risk of dehydration is higher. If this is true for you, pay special attention to drink sufficient amounts of liquids!
  
  One indication that the body is slightly dehydrated is a deep yellow discolouration of the urine.  If the body is well hydrated, urine is transparent and odourless.
  
  What can I drink with my meals?
  In Ayurveda it is recommended to sip pure water during meals.  Since Ayurvedic foods contain many spices, a drink made with herbs might be too challenging for the body.  If your food does not contain many spices, water which has been refined with herbs, on the other hand, will support your digestion.
  Depending on what food you are eating, about one cup of water with your meal is ideal.  If you are having soup or Dal, you need not as much liquid.  If you have having drier foods, you can have a little more.
  
  If you are thirsty within thirty minutes after your deal, make sure you drink sufficiently, because liquids are important for your digestion.
  Depending on your constitution, the water should have room temperature (for Vata and Pitta) or it should be hot (for Kapha).  Do not drink iced drinks, because they are a pretty safe way to extinguish your digestive fire.  Your daily selection of drinks should mainly consist of water and not of coffee, carbonated, sweetened and alcoholic drinks.