is drinking warm water good - #39407
I am trying to figure out if drinking warm water good for me? Like, I read some articles about how warm water can help with digestion and stuff, but I’m not super sure. For the past few weeks, I’ve been feeling kinda bloated and sluggish after meals. I tried stuff like ginger tea and more veggies, but it’s not totally helping. My sister swears by warm water first thing in the morning, says it clears her skin and boosts her energy. I started drinking warm water instead of cold, mostly in the mornings, but then I wonder if I'm really doing it right. Is drinking warm water good actually? I mean, are there specific times when it’s better? Or would I get more benefits if I added lemon or honey to it? Then again, I don’t wanna overdo things. Also, I noticed that I feel a little thirsty even after drinking warm water, does that mean I should drink more? Maybe I’m just not used to it yet? Any insights or tips would be awesome! Honestly just trying to feel better and not worry so much about my bloating. Thanks!
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Doctors' responses
Drinking warm water, according to Ayurveda, can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, especially in improving digestion and metabolism. Warm water is known to help stimulate the digestive fire, or agni, which can be especially helpful if you’ve been feeling bloated and sluggish after meals. This happens as warm water helps in breaking down foods more effectively, preventing accumulation of toxins, called ‘ama’, which can cause digestive issues like bloating.
To make the most of warm water, the timing and how it’s consumed are quite important. Drinking a glass of warm water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach can help kickstart your metabolism and clear out digestive tract. You mentioned your sister feels energetic with this habit, that’s no surprise as it aids in cleansing and rejuvenating the system, supporting a cleaner, clearer mind and skin. This ties into the Ayurvedic principle of starting the day by enhancing digestive fire.
Having warm water throughout the day can be beneficial, but only if consumed mindfully. Sip slowly rather than drinking it in one go, as this can overwhelm the digestive system. You can certainly add lemon, which offers added Vitamin C and acts as a gentle detoxifier. Honey, if added to warm (not hot) water, can harmonize imbalances and enhance taste. However, avoid boiling honey as its chemical composition might change, making it difficult for digestion.
If you’re feeling thirsty even after drinking, it’s essential to listen to your body’s signals. You may not be drinking enough at throughout the day. It’s also possible your body is adjusting to the changeover from cold to warm water. Responsive hydration—sipping water when you feel thirsty but not excessively—might be the key here.
For bloating, ensure that meals are taken at regular intervals without skipping and avoid incompatibile food combinations; spices ginger, cumin and fennel seeds can be useful if used in meals. Limit cold or raw foods, especially at night, and give adequate time for digestion before resting.
Your inclination towards vegetables is good, aim for cooked, easy-to-digest veggies. This should ease bloating over time, if the issue persists or worsens, it could be indicative of underlying issue that can be assesed by an Ayurvedic doctor tailored to your prakriti.
Drinking warm water can indeed be beneficial based on Siddha-Ayurvedic principles. It helps to balance your doshas, particularly vata and kapha, by aiding digestion and supporting metabolic fire, or agni. Warm water can also assist in cleansing the nadis, leading to better circulation and removing ama (toxins) that might be contributing to your bloating and sluggishness.
For best results, consume warm water early in the morning, soon after waking up. This practice jump-starts your digestive system and can help minimize feelings of bloating and heaviness after meals. It’s also advisable to drink warm water throughout the day, ideally 30 minutes before meals to prepare your digestive tract. If you feel thirsty after drinking warm water, it’s okay to hydrate further, just listen to your body’s cues. Yet, make sure your water is not too hot, as that may aggravate pitta.
Adding a slice of lemon to the morning warm water can help enhance its cleansing properties without overdoing it. Lemon, with its high vitamin C content, can further support digestion and skin health. A teaspoon of honey may also be added for its soothing and health-promoting benefits, but avoid honey if you have a pitta constitution or during very hot weather.
The warm water practice should be part of a balanced approach including diet, exercise, and stress management for overall well-being. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting with a qualified health practitioner is recommended. Remember that personal health regimens variedly depend on individual prakriti and current lifestyle.

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