More than two thirds of the weight of the human body is made up of water. It plays an essential role in keeping the body hydrated, enabling waste to move out of the body and also helps improve blood circulation. It maintains spinal and cognitive health. Every day, our body loses significant amount of water and it is therefore imperative that water must be consumed in such a manner that our body is able to absorb every ounce of it. We often don’t think twice before quenching our thirst, all that matters is the temperature of the water. We pay no heed to the time when the elders in our family constantly remind us to avoid drinking water while standing. Ever wondered why must our posture come into play?
According to the ancient practices of Ayurveda, by chugging water down quickly we disallow our body to absorb the maximum benefits required for replenishing the system. It further suggests that the way you drink water is directly related to the way you feel throughout the day.
We Find Out
Practitioner’s of Ayurveda often propagate a lifestyle that is in harmony with nature. They more often than not aim to cure one of ones problems in a holistic manner and that is where the posture comes into effect. When you stand and drink water, your nerves are in a state of tension. This then activates the sympathetic system, or the fight system. Your body is under the impression of fighting against danger.
According to Dr Dhanvantree, Ayurvedic expert, he suggests that the notion of standing up and drinking water is closely related to the speed at which water is drunk. The two are interrelated and the speed of drinking the water is extremely essential.
It is often said that standing up and drinking water accelerates the speed of drinking that water, according to Dr Dhanvantree and this is when problems like arthritis and joint damage comes into play. According to him, the Rig Vedas do mention postures, however, it is ambiguous. In the science of Ayurveda, “this particular clause is not explicitly mentioned. It is more to do with the fact that any food item must be eaten slowly. Eating slowly facilitates the digestion process and the same is true for water.”
“Water must be taken like air, slowly and steadily. Drinking at a fast rate may lead to lack of oxygen in the wind and food pipe, this could potentially give rise to heart problems and lung issues.”
Dr. Dhanvantree also goes on to say that “air goes inside the esophagus and creates pressure when water is drunk rapidly. It will lead to bone and joint degeneration, joint weakness and joint pain.” Thus, while it may seem like a mere myth, there are consequences that effect the health negatively when water is had while standing. The same consequences may recur while sitting and having water at a fast rate. Therefore, what is to be kept in mind is the speed at which water gushes down in the stomach. Since the speed is faster while standing, we are warned against it.
While you may chose to believe this notion or not, followers of this practice would say that it is always good to stick to nature and avoid disharmony. It might just take a few extra minutes, and if nothing else, you would enjoy your glass of water better.
