Learn the know how’s of water and how it interacts with your system. Does the cult famous advise- “Drink more water” holds true ? Let’s unpack.
Introduction
Water forms the major part of your body. You know you are almost 60% water in weight. That water isn’t just sitting there though. It is compartmentalised into intracellular and extracellular spaces. Like the name suggests, the former means inside the cells while the latter means outside.
How you hydrate can make a surprising difference to how you feel.
Guess where does your blood fit?
If you guessed extracellular, you’re right. But there’s more to the story.
Inside, outside and in between- Understanding the Fluid dance
Your body is about 60% water, distributed between the spaces inside and outside your cells. These compartments constantly exchange water, guided by electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
- Sodium and chloride live mostly outside your cells.
- Potassium and bicarbonate prefer the inside.
This delicate balance is what keeps your cells functioning properly. When you drink too much plain water too quickly, you dilute these electrolytes, causing bloating, fatigue, or even low blood sodium (hyponatremia).
That’s why after intense sweating, a pinch of salt and sugar in your water often restores energy better than plain water, it replenishes both fluid and electrolytes.
Your kidneys are constantly adjusting this fluid balance, deciding how much water to keep or release. When you’re low on fluids, they conserve water; when you’ve had too much, they flush the excess out. So, blindly chugging water doesn’t necessarily “hydrate” you more. It can just burden your system.
Did you know?
While water makes up 60% of your total body weight, your brain is almost 75% water!
Interestingly, fat and protein make up the major bulk of your brain matter, not something you’d want to skimp on.
Read next: Why Going Fat-Free Is Never a Good Decision
Ayurveda’s Take on Water — More Than Just Quenching Thirst
Ayurvedic classics regard water as the most natural source of refreshment, one that soothes and sustains all living beings.
” उदकमाश्वासकराणां ” (udakam āśvāsakarāṇām)
(Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 25)
This timeless thought holds true even in modern physiology. When you’re truly thirsty, no beverage can replace the comfort that plain water provides.
So, while Ayurveda reveres water as a life-giver, it also reminds us that balance is key.
In fact, Ayurvedic texts emphasize that how, when, and how much you drink can change the way water behaves inside your system.
Let’s understand why “more water” isn’t always better.
Did You Know?
In Ayurvedic texts there are distinct terms for thirst – Pipasa and Trishna.
While Pipasa is the body’s natural, physiological urge for water, Trishna represents an abnormal, pathological craving often seen in diseased states.
How Much Is Too Much?
The common advice to “keep sipping water all day” might sound harmless, even healthy. But according to Ayurveda, excessive and untimely water intake can disturb Agni.
When digestion weakens, undigested residues (Ama) accumulate, leading to bloating, heaviness, and fatigue along with diseases like chronic rheumatism.
Interestingly, Ayurveda also mentions that Ama itself can trigger Trishna. So if you’re not careful, you may end up in a vicious cycle — weak digestion creates Ama, Ama creates thirst, and overdrinking further weakens Agni.
From a modern perspective, drinking too much water can cause dilutional hyponatremia which can lead to dizziness, nausea, or muscle cramps.
So, both Ayurveda and modern science converge on one simple truth:
Hydration isn’t about drinking more; it’s about drinking right.
Spot the Signs of Overhydration
1. Constant bloating despite drinking “enough” water
2. Feeling heavy or sluggish after frequent sips
3. Nausea, mild headache, or low energy without clear cause
Ayurveda calls this a state of weakened Agni, when your system can’t handle the load you’re pouring in.
When and What Type of Water to Drink
Ayurveda doesn’t recommend a “one-size-fits-all” rule for water intake. The type and temperature of water depend on the underlying condition and the state of the doṣas.
1. Fresh Cool water
Beneficial in thirst associated with fainting, exhaustion, giddiness, alcoholism, poisoning, and disorders of Pitta and Rakta (blood).
It aids in cooling, soothing, and immediately refreshes the system
2. Cooled, previously boiled water
Recommended in Sannipataja (Tridoshaja) conditions, where all three Doshas are vitiated.
Boiling removes subtle impurities and improves digestibility, thus putting less burden on an already weakened body.
3. Warm water
Useful in hiccough, dyspnea, acute fever, coryza, after ghee consumption, and in disorders of Kapha and Vata, or when Doshas are not yet moving properly in the body and after Panchakarma.
It kindles Agni, clears channels, and aids elimination.
4. When water intake is not beneficial
In anemia, abdominal disorders, Gulma, Meha (metabolic diseases), weak digestion, diarrhea, and splenic diseases, excessive water can further weaken Agni and create more issues.
If thirst becomes unbearable, only small sips can be taken.
Sip Smart-Ayurveda inspired
Hydration Guide
“Because even water, when taken right, becomes medicine.“
1. Observe, don’t count glasses!
Thirst and urine color are your body’s natural notifications. Dark urine → gentle rehydration, not overcorrection. Take small sips, avoid gulping.
2. Match the Moment
Don’t just add water, think electrolytes, timing, and activity. During workouts or heat, add a pinch of salt and lemon.
3. Mind Your Agni
Too much cold water can dull digestion and create Ama.
Warm or room-temperature water keeps Agni steady. Also remember, don’t drink immediately after meals. Wait for atleast 30-45 min.
4. Balance Over Excess
Flooding your system can dilute electrolytes, weaken Agni, leaving you tired or bloated. Sip slowly, preferably seated. Let hydration be mindful.
To conclude
Water truly is essential, but how and when you drink it matters just as much as how much you drink. Ayurveda reminds us that even this simplest element should be adapted to one’s condition. Warm water in Kapha–Vata disorders, cooled water for Pitta or exhaustion, and even restricted intake in conditions like anemia, abdominal diseases, or weak digestion.
In short, hydration isn’t about a fixed rule; it’s about context, balance, and awareness.