‘Proper hydration key to healthy, energetic body’

Chennai

Water is needed by the body primarily for two purposes — for the purification of blood, removal of toxins. This is a well known fact. But the second and more important reason is to facilitate the absorption and circulation of oxygen to every cell of the body. This process is called oxygenation. It’s not about how much oxygen is available but the level of its absorption and circulation that determines health of an individual. And the way to better the supply of oxygen in the body is by more consumption of water. Proper hydration prevents chronic diseases and results in an overall healthier and energetic body, improved brain function, better intestine function and skin. So how do you stay hydrated? Follow a simple formula — drink 50 ml of water for every 1 kilogram of body weight. Example, a person weighing 70 kg would need at least 3.5 litres of water a day. It is just as important to know when to drink and not to drink water.

Drinking 750 ml to 1 liter of water on waking up in the morning before brushing teeth or even gargling is very essential. Drink about 250 ml of water before and after a bath. Avoid drinking water during or immediately after a meal. Water should be consumed about 25-30 minutes before and after a meal. Most importantly, water refers to plain water and not in any other form like juice or tea, coffee and certainly not soft drinks.

Inadequate hydration results in dehydration and slowing down of all vital functions of the body including oxygenation of the cells.

Dehydration is a loss or lack of water in the body. A loss of hydration could be due to draining of water from the body due to vomiting or diarrhoea from toxins in the body. The second reason for dehydration is lack of hydration; a long-term reduced water intake. Both of these in the long run result in accumulation of toxins in the blood and reduced oxygen absorption by the cells.

Diminished oxygenation of the cells result in death or mutation of cells and oxidation which produces free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the cause of several chronic diseases including some cancers. So stay hydrated to stay healthy and don’t wait only until you’re thirsty to consume water.  

Shri Aasaanji is a contemporary spiritual master and the founder of Atmayoga Foundation