We are all aware of the importance of this nutrient. Yes, water is a nutrient! But a much neglected one. 60 to 70 per cent of our body is made up of water and when we do not hydrate it well, it is inevitable that we will face health problems.People often claim that they are too busy during the day to grab a glass of water. Not just that, our modern lifestyle and tastes also influence the amount of water we drink on a daily basis. My clients often say, they would usually prefer drinking something else other than water.
Of course, when water is replaced with sugar laden sodas or juices, the body gets addicted to this stuff to quench thirst. You feel you have hydrated yourself, but in vain. The body gets further dehydrated leading to host of diseases.
Here’s how to keep yourself hydrated:
1. Begin by Drinking At Least Two Glasses of Water
As soon as you wake up, start your day with two glasses of water. If the taste begins to bore you, then spice up your bottle with a squeeze of citrus. Before you know it, that bottle will be empty and your body, happy. The custom of drinking water first thing in the morning is regarded very highly in Ayurveda and in Japanese culture. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. Ayurveda strongly encourages to drink two cups of clean lukewarm water to preserve energy throughout the day. It is very important to make sure we don’t eat anything for at least thirty minutes after drinking water. This is the time the body takes to clean, energize and hydrate each cell and remove toxins.
2. Benefits of Drinking Water on an Empty Stomach
Warm water first thing in the morning cleans our body. It’s like bathing from the inside. It helps your body digest and eliminate food efficiently. It also helps intestinal movements to fight constipation, which is a modern-day disease leading to other chronic health conditions.
One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water on an empty stomach is very beneficial for high blood pressure and diabetics. Soak a teaspoon of seeds in a glass of water, allow it to stay overnight. Strain away the seeds and drink this medicinal therapeutic water for at least two to three months to control and manage blood pressure and blood sugar levels effectively.
3. Glow with Water Therapy
Since each cell in your body gets hydrated and plumped by drinking water in the morning, the effects on your skin are but natural. The improved digestive system flushes out toxins from the body. This in turn, gives you healthy and glowing skin.
4. Weight Loss Elixir
Water therapy magically melts stubborn fat. A tough dehydrated body will not burn calories efficiently. This potent drink in the morning will reboot your body and kick start weight loss. Try this innocent yet very effective treatment, with no side effects.
Caution: For those who love to drink chilled or cold water, know that this dampens one’s energy and weakens the kidneys. Never drink cold water with meals as this will solidify all the oily stuff that you have consumed. Very soon, this will turn into fat and sludge in the body, creating imbalance. End your meal with a warm cup of water or as the Chinese do, with light Chinese tea.
Lastly, no alcohol, no coffee and beverages laden with high fructose corn syrup can replace this natural miracle drink. Your water requirement should only be fulfilled by drinking water itself, infuse it with fruits if you wish to.
