Have you been drinking water the right way? Know how to do it (2024)

Do you drink water with your meals? Well, you have been doing it wrong. Know how to drink water the right way.

Manasvi Jain Updated: 17 Jan 2024, 12:26 pm IST

Drinking water seems like a simple task which doesn’t require much thought, right? But do you know that when you drink water, it has a direct impact on your body. So it is important to get it right. Let’s take a look at how to drink water the right way.

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated for a normal functioning of the body. According to a report by Institute of Medicine (IOM), the recommended amount of water per day, for an adult, is 9-11 cups.

Why is water essential for us?

According to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines drinking water prevents dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, mood swings, overheating of the body, constipation and kidney stones. Since water has no calories, it can also help in managing your body weight and reducing your calorie intake when replaced with unhealthy drinks like sweet tea or regular soda.

Have you been drinking water the right way? Know how to do it (1)

Water helps your body as it:

* Maintains the body temperature.
* Provides cushioning for the joints.
* Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
* Detoxifies the body through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.

How to drink water correctly?

1. Always try to have lukewarm water

Drinking water in the correct way and temperature is essential. Warm or hot water actually has the ability to absorb deeper into your tissues. Warm water cleanses and detox’s your body better than the cold or normal water. Ice cold water is an absolute disaster for your health as it can give you cold or cough problems and can also dampen your digestion. Warm foods promote digestion while cold foods hinder it.

Have you been drinking water the right way? Know how to do it (4)

2. Sit down while drinking water

Standing and drinking disrupts the balance of body fluids. You may accumulate unwanted excess fluid in your body if you drink while standing up which can often lead to arthritis. It also affects the digestion and absorption of minerals which leads to other problems as well. The best way to drink water is to sit and drink.

Have you been drinking water the right way? Know how to do it (5)

3. Drink slowly

The right way to drink water is slowly. Drinking water in small sips allows the body to process the nutrients and minerals well. It also makes it easier for our kidneys to process all the fluids.

4. Start your day with a glass of boiled water

Drink warm water in the morning as it helps flush out the toxins that have accumulated overnight and cleanses your digestive tract to get you ready for the day! It also increases your metabolism which promotes weight loss.

5. Avoid water while eating

Ayurveda strongly recommends that one should not drink water with their meals. You can have large amounts of water at least an hour before and after meal times but not during the meals. Having too much water near your meal times can dilute the digestive acids and mess up the proper digestion of foods. If you must drink then you can take a sip or two at most during your meals.

Get latest updates on health and wellness along with How To