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| - Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
An article claims that one should not drink water while standing, according to Ayurveda. We did the fact check to term it as False.
The Claim
The claim originates from an article published on the Herzindagi website. The article asserts that, according to Ayurveda, it is not advised to drink water while standing.
Fact Check
Does ayurveda advise against drinking water while standing?
No, not really. Traditional Ayurvedic texts do not specifically state that one should not drink water while standing. This idea seems to be a more recent interpretation or a hypothesis from broader Ayurvedic principles related to digestion and posture. Ayurveda emphasises balance and proper digestion. It suggests practices that support optimal health, but it does not have specific rules about the posture for drinking water.
Dr P. Rammanohar, Research Director, Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda (ĀCĀRA) says, “Ayurveda suggests eating food while sitting down to avoid choking. It doesn’t specifically say how you should drink water. However, it’s common sense not to drink water too quickly, too much at once, or in an awkward position, as these can cause choking.”
What is the correct way to drink water according to Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from our country. The Ayurveda places great emphasis on how and when to consume food and water to promote ideal health. The best way to drink water according to Ayurveda:
- Sip Slowly: Water should be sipped slowly instead of gulping down. This allows the body to absorb the water more effectively and aids in digestion.
- Room Temperature: Water should be at room temperature or warm. But, scientific evidence suggests that you can drink water in any temperature—warm or cold—according to your preference. Cold water is not necessarily harmful.
- Mindful Consumption: Ayurveda encourages drinking water mindfully and with awareness.
Does drinking water while standing affect your knees?
The claim that drinking water while standing can affect your knees lacks scientific evidence. It appears to be more anecdotal or based on interpretations of body mechanics. The logic behind this claim is that when you drink water while standing, it passes through the system at a higher velocity. And, this can potentially cause the water to splatter and disrupt the balance of fluids around your joints. However, there is no substantial scientific research to support the idea that drinking water while standing affects knees.
While the specific claim about knee health is doubtful, there are some concerns related to digestion when drinking water while standing. Some believe that standing while drinking water can lead to a faster passage of water through the body, possibly leading to reduced absorption and digestive issues. However, these claims are also largely untrue.
Does drinking water while standing cause health issues?
There is no conclusive evidence that drinking water while standing causes significant health issues. Most concerns are speculative or based on anecdotal evidence. Modern science does not provide strong support for the idea that drinking water while standing is harmful.
Dr S Krishna Prasanthi, General Physician, MD, PGIMER, explains, “Peristalsis is an involuntary bodily process that starts as soon as food, whether liquid or solid, is swallowed. Contrary to the popular claim that liquid moves directly due to gravity, it is actually peristalsis that propels food through the digestive tract. Therefore, there is no scientific basis for the belief that drinking water while standing is harmful. It does not pose a risk to the digestive tract, nor does it affect the lungs and heart functions if we drink water while standing.”
How much water should you drink daily according to ayurveda?
Ayurveda recommends drinking water according to your body’s needs. And, this can vary based on factors like climate, physical activity, and individual constitution (Prakriti). Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Ayurveda suggests listening to your body’s signals of thirst and maintaining hydration without overconsumption. Generally, sipping water throughout the day and paying attention to the body’s signals of thirst are recommended.
Is the temperature of water important in Ayurveda?
Yes, Ayurveda places importance on the temperature of the water you consume. Drinking warm or room temperature water is considered beneficial because it supports the digestive fire (Agni). Cold water, especially directly after meals, is discouraged as it can hamper digestion and lead to the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body.
Ayurveda suggests drinking small sips of water during meals to aid digestion, but it advises against drinking large quantities of water just before or right after meals. This practice is believed to dilute the digestive juices, making digestion less efficient.
Conclusion
Even though the article claims that Ayurveda advises against drinking water while standing, this interpretation is not explicitly supported by traditional Ayurvedic texts.
In a False post it is said that as per Ayurveda you should not drink water while standing, rather you should always sit down while drinking water.
The core principles of Ayurveda focus more on the quality, temperature, and mindful consumption of water rather than strict postural rules. The idea that drinking water while standing is harmful is largely a myth. Modern adaptations and interpretations may suggest sitting as a better practice for ideal digestion and relaxation. But the specific claim about drinking water while standing affects knees or causes significant health issues remain baseless by both traditional Ayurvedic literature and contemporary scientific research.
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