Water and Health: The Path to Wellness

Water and Health: The Path to Wellness

Water is an essential element for human survival, accounting for about 60% of the adult human body. Its benefits are myriad, from hydrating the skin to supporting vital organ functions. However, traditional wisdom and modern science converge on certain practices to maximize these benefits. This article explores these practices, including drinking from a copper glass, allowing water to settle before drinking, and the importance of sitting down while drinking.

Benefits of Drinking Water from a Copper Glass

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, advocates for the use of copper vessels for drinking water. This practice, known as Tamra Jal, is believed to confer several health benefits:

1. Antimicrobial Properties: Copper has natural antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. Studies have shown that storing water in a copper vessel can kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli and S. aureus.
2. Digestive Health: Copper aids in the proper functioning of the digestive system by stimulating peristalsis (the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the stomach), reducing inflammation, and helping to detoxify the stomach.
3. Weight Loss: Drinking water stored in copper vessels can help break down body fat and eliminate it more efficiently, aiding in weight loss.
4. Slows Aging: Copper is packed with strong antioxidant and cell-forming properties. These help combat free radicals, one of the main causes of aging.
5. Boosts Cardiovascular Health: Copper is known to help regulate blood pressure and heart rate, as well as lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Allowing Water to Settle

Drinking running or freshly pumped water is often discouraged in traditional health practices for several reasons:

1. Sedimentation: Allowing water to sit for a while helps sediment and impurities to settle at the bottom. This makes the water cleaner and safer to drink.
2. Temperature: Letting water sit can help it reach room temperature, which is believed to be gentler on the digestive system compared to very cold water.
3. Chemical Balance: Sitting water can sometimes allow harmful chemicals like chlorine to evaporate, especially if it was chlorinated for purification purposes.

The Importance of Sitting Down to Drink Water

Another traditional recommendation is to sit down while drinking water, rather than standing. This practice is rooted in Ayurveda and supported by some modern health perspectives:

1. Better Digestion: When you sit and drink water, your muscles and nervous system are more relaxed, which aids in better digestion and absorption of nutrients.
2. Prevents Water Shock: Standing and drinking water can cause the water to flow through your system rapidly, potentially causing shock to your joints and disrupting the fluid balance in your body.
3. Reduces Risk of Arthritis: Ayurvedic practitioners believe that standing and drinking water can lead to the accumulation of fluids in the joints, which may cause arthritis over time.

Other Beneficial Practices

1. Hydration Timing: Drink water throughout the day, starting with a glass of water first thing in the morning. This helps in flushing out toxins that have accumulated overnight and kickstarts your metabolism.
2. Avoid Ice-Cold Water: Cold water can constrict blood vessels and impair digestion. Opt for water at room temperature or warm water, which can aid in digestion and improve blood circulation.
3. Infused Water: Adding natural ingredients like lemon, mint, cucumber, or ginger to your water can enhance its flavour and provide additional health benefits, such as improved digestion and detoxification.
4. Regular Intake: Rather than drinking large amounts of water at once, it's better to drink small amounts regularly. This ensures continuous hydration and prevents the feeling of bloating.
5. Mindful Drinking: Pay attention to your body's signals and drink when you feel thirsty. Over-hydration can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, which is just as harmful as dehydration.

Conclusion

Water is the essence of life, and how we consume it can significantly impact our health. Incorporating traditional wisdom, such as drinking from copper vessels, allowing water to settle, and sitting while drinking, can enhance the benefits we receive from this vital resource. By adopting these practices and staying mindful of our hydration habits, we can support our overall well-being and lead a healthier life.