Water is the most important nutrient our body requires at least every few hours during the day. Our body needs it to perform many important functions from digestion, regulating body temperature to transporting nutrients. Feeling thirsty is brain’s way of telling you that you are dehydrated and your body doesn’t have enough fluids to function properly, Hindustan Times reported.

Ayurveda expert Dr Rekha Radhamony took to her Instagram account to share Ayurvedic rules for drinking water for the benefit of her followers.

• Drink water while sitting instead of standing as it is better absorbed by your body.
• Drink water sip by sip and never gulp water: Just to complete your daily quota of eight glasses, you need not have 2-3 glasses of water together. As per Ayurveda, water should be consumed in small sips and throughout the day.
• Drink water which is warm or at room temperature, never drink cold water directly from the fridge because cold water dampens your digestive fire.
• Use clay pots or copper or at least steel to store water.
• Never drink running water. Always drink water which is stored.

How much water should you drink?

“One must drink water as per individual requirements. If you are not sweating well, constipated, mouth feeling dry, urine is dark yellow  you are probably consuming less water. Drink more,” says the expert.

When to drink water?

Drink water 30 minutes after or before a meal. It is ideal for a Vata person who is undernourished to drink water 30 minutes after food and 30 minutes before food for an overweight Kapha person,” adds Dr Radhamony.

What to add in your warm water

Cumin seed should be used with boiled water during all seasons except summer.