5 Ways In Which Drinking Warm Water Helps
We all know that 60% of our body comprises of water and it is important to drink it for hydration, fueling the body, building energy and for proper functioning of all vital organs.
Doctors recommend drinking 11 to 16 cups of water daily depending on our lifestyle and body needs. While most of us tend to drink cold water, Ayurveda recommends drinking it warm.
The ancient medicine strongly suggests drinking warm water, especially in the mornings as it heals the body from within, boosts metabolism, and fuels digestive power. Studies reveal that warm water tightensthe intestines and reduces metabolic waste.
Here is why you should be drinking warm water for health benefits.
Flushes Out Toxins:
Nothing works like a warm cup of water to clear toxins from the body. It also helps break down the food and energizes the digestive system, making it easier to digest. If you have stomach-related issues like constipation, acidity or even cough, or cold, keep sipping on warm water for major relief.
Relieves Constipation:
Warm water helps in treating even chronic constipation. Drinking warm water on an empty stomach in the morning improves bowel movements, alleviates stomach pain, breaks down foods and aids them in passing smoothly through the intestines. Bowel stimulation helps the body return to normal functioning.
Pain Relief:
Do you know that hot water gives instant relief from migraine, other types of headaches, and pain during menstruation? The heat generated by warm water is known for its healing effects on abdominal muscles and provides instant relief from spasms and cramps. Moreover, warm water improves blood circulation to the skin making it glow.
Lose Weight:
It is an age-old wisdom that warm water helps greatly in losing those extra kilograms. Warm water increases body temperature thus improving its metabolic rate. This in turn helps in burning more calories and aids kidneys to function better.
Stops Premature Aging:
Drinking warm water helps slow down the process of ageing by repairing skin cells and increasing elasticity. To benefit more for skin health, drink warm water with a dash of lemon as it protects the pH balance of the body. Drinking it daily clears the face of acne, rashes, wrinkles and dark spots.
Ayurvedic Benefits Of Drinking Warm Water
The conventional ayurvedic medicine greatly recommends drinking hot water regularly, as boiling water for about 10 minutes kindles agni directly, thereby allowing food to be assimilated more effectively during the meal. Warm water taken between meals can deliver support in clearing out water-soluble toxins from the dhatus (body tissue).
Mother Nature has blessed us with a huge array of spices and herbs, which when added to warm water affects the senses through its distinct aroma and taste. Here we have listed special concoction recipes to balance the body type in harmony with the three doshas Vatta, Pitta and Kapha.
Vata-Balancing Hot Water
Boil about 2 litres of water for 5-10 minutes, remove from the heat and add a few sprigs of mint leaves, ½ teaspoon of fennel seed and ¼ teaspoon of marshmallow root. Store it in a flask and drink this warm concoction throughout the day to balance the vata dosha.
Pitta-Calming Hot Water
Boil two litres of water for 5 minutes, remove from the heat and add ¼ teaspoon of fennel seed, 8 petals of rose and 1 clove. Store it in a flask and enjoy this soothing warm water to pacify the pitta dosha.
Kapha-Balancing Hot Water
Boil about two litres of water for 5-10 minutes, remove from the heat and add 3 Tulsi leaves, 1-inch fresh ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of jeera seed and ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds. Store the water in a flask and sip this warm brew throughout the day to balance the Kapha dosha.
Additional Benefits
Relief Nasal Congestion
Drinking hot water may help warm mucous membranes throughout the sinuses and soothe a sore throat caused by the buildup of mucus.
Promote Central Nervous System Function
Not drinking adequate water, hot or cold, can negatively affect nervous system functioning, eventually impeding mood and brain function. Studies have also proven that drinking warm water can improve central nervous system activity and also ease anxiety.
Improves Circulation
Drinking warm water helps the circulatory organs- arteries and veins to expand and carry blood more effectively throughout the system. Thus, controlling blood pressure and averting the risk of heart disease.
Sound Sleep
Drinking hot water at nighttime is known to relax the body and mind, thereby helping you to get sound quality sleep.
Ease Achalasia symptoms
Achalasia is a medical condition where the esophagus has trouble moving food down into the intestine. People with this condition have problems swallowing. A study found that drinking warm water may help people with achalasia digest food well.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References
Drinking Warm Water Improves Growth Performance and Optimizes the Gut Microbiota in Early Postweaning Rabbits during Winter
Qiangjun Wang 1,†, Wei Fu 1,†, Yao Guo 1, Yuhan Tang 1,2, Haoxuan Du 3, Meizhi Wang 1, Zhongying Liu 1, Qin Li 1, Lei An 3, Jianhui Tian 3, Mingyong Li 4, Zhonghong Wu 1,*
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6616395/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012369215373876
