10
Things To Know About The Best And Worst Times To Drink Water Every Day
‘8 glasses of water a day’ is a phrase that
we’ve all been hearing since childhood. Most of us don’t follow it however,
drinking water only when we feel like it. This is a huge mistake, because
drinking plenty of water does wonders for your body. It makes your hair shine,
keeps your skin firm, helps you lose weight, improves your digestion, prevents
fatigue and even gives your brain a boost. So, now that we’ve sold you on the
why, let’s get down to the how.
Here’s how you should be spreading
out your water intake throughout the day.
1. Drink 1 to 2 glasses as soon as you wake up
to get your system going.
This will clear all the toxins out
of your system, and get your organs moving. You can add flavours like lemon,
honey and cinnamon to the water if you like, to boost its health quotient.
2. Drink 1 glass of water half an hour before your
meal to boost weight loss.
This will dull the edge of your
hunger so that you eat a little less at meal time. It also prepares your
stomach for the food that is to come.
3. Don’t drink water during or immediately before
or after your meal, as it dilutes digestive juices.
Avoid drinking water half an hour
before your meal, during your meal, and one hour after your meal. It dilutes
your digestive juices, making them much less effective.
4. Substitute water during meals with yoghurt,
buttermilk (chaas) or
raita.
If you get thirsty during your
meal, instead of drinking water, have some yoghurt orraita instead.
It has the same cooling effect on your body, but does not hamper your
digestion. Buttermilk (chaas) is another
great option!
5. Drink water when you feel hungry to prevent
needless snacking.
The body’s signals for hunger are
very similar to those for thirst, so the first thing you should do when you
feel hungry is drink some water. Wait for about 10 minutes, and if you’re still
hungry then go ahead and have a snack by all means, but you may just find that
your hunger pang has miraculously vanished.
6. Drink a glass of water when you feel tired
to power up your brain.
Since 75% of your brain consists
of water, drinking water helps it function better. Drink a glass of water if
you’re feeling tired at work, or if you have a big presentation coming up and
need to focus.
7. Drink more water in the first half of the day
than the second half to prevent middle of the night bathroom trips.
Drinking too much water in the
second half of the day will ensure that you keep waking up at night to use the
loo. Instead, drink more water in the first half, and then slow down your
consumption in the second half.
8. Drink more water during the day if you know
you’re going to get less sleep that night.
Your body carries out all its
repair and renovation while you’re asleep, and it can transport nutrients
around much better and faster if you’re well hydrated. Therefore, if you know
you’re going to get less sleep that night, drink extra water during the day –
it’ll help you feel a little more rested the next morning.
9. Drink plenty of water before and after you
exercise to power up your muscles.
It’s important that you’re
hydrated when you exercise, because your body needs to transport necessary
nutrients to your muscles. On days that you know you’re going to be working
out, drink plenty of water before you start, and then after you’re done. Water
also prevents tiredness – you’ll get tired much faster on a day that you’re
dehydrated than when you’re properly hydrated.
10. Drink a little extra water if you’re ill, or
if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drinking water when you’re sick
will help your body repair itself faster. Pregnant and breastfeeding women
require a little more water than usual – about 10 glasses per day is
recommended.
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