Vegetarian Vitality

It’s summer and  you’re  hot and thirsty. What would you prefer – a glass of   (ice)-cold water or one that is at room temperature or even slightly warm?

In Ayurveda,  drinking  water at room temperature or slightly warm throughout the day  is known to be the best way to hydrate quickly. You don’t need to use extra energy to bring the water up to its temperature so it is more quickly absorbed by your body.

Also do you like drinking cold water with or immediately after a meal? And do you feel tired after eating?

Cold water slows down the digestive process that has just started by

• diluting your digestive juices so  they cannot do their job as effectively.
• requiring the energy used for digestion to be used to bring the temperature of the resultant liquid in your stomach to body temperature.

The result is partly or undigested food that moves through the digestive system and that  may or may not be eliminated properly. You may also feel heavy, tired and bloated.

Proper elimination is important to prevent the build up of waste material in the intestine because such a build up creates toxins and stops nutrients from being assimilated into the body.

If you’re thirsty during or after your meal, it is better to have a warm drink, for example warm water, herbal tea like ginger or tulsi, and then not more than about half a cup.  Ideally wait until an hour after eating to have a warm drink or drink about a hour before eating

Exercise:

1. For one week avoid drinking anything during your meals or sip half a cup of herbal tea.
2. Note down how you feel after each meal.
3. Post your comments and experiences below!

Are you drinking enough? Find out here .

In my free e-course “5 Nutritional Keys to Vitality in your Life” I talk about  adequate water intake and recently I’ve been getting some more specific questions about what this involves. So I’m going to share my answers here for the benefit of all.

Q: When is it best to to drink water?
 A: it’s best to drink water ( a glass) at least 1 hour before or after meals, and if you forget then drink a glass of warm water up to 30 minutes before.

Q:What about drinking before going to bed?
A: If you are thirsty, then have a glass of water but it is best to drink as little as possible to avoid having to get up in the night to go to the toilet. Ideally stop drinking water at least an hour before going to bed.

Q: Why does drinking a glass of water sometimes help cure hunger pangs?
A: Because often when we think we’re hungry we are in fact thirsty

Q: How can drinking water help a sugar craving?
A: Great question! When we get dehydrated we can lose concentration and feel tired. So our body can respond by wanting sugar. because sugar is a quick way to get a lift. So if we drink some water, we take away the need for the sugar.

I’ve also had comments from readers indicating they don’t feel they drink enough water.
In my course I give 7 ways of increasing your water intake – really easily.  Here are 3 of them. .
1. Have water constantly near you throughout the day, e.g. on your desk, in your bag, so you can take a sip when you feel like it.
2. Have a water schedule – the body likes routine. For example, drink a glass an hour after breakfast, one an hour before lunch etc.
3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables – some are up to 80% water!

Fancy some more? Feel free to  sign up for my course here