Importance of Food and Water on Health and Well-Being

By Nomitha Baanu T

Introduction:

The foundations of human health are food and water, which supply vital nutrients and hydration required for life, development, and well-being. They stimulate mental and physical performance, encourage lifespan, and serve as the basis for all metabolic activities in the body. Understanding the importance of food and water is crucial to maintaining a balanced lifestyle and preventing a range of health issues.

How to Cook?

The energy of the person cooking transfers to the food, so cook with happiness and positivity. It’s best to prepare meals yourself for your family rather than relying on outside food. While cooking, think of it as preparing food for the divine presence in everyone. Offer it with devotion to make it sacred, or Prasad. Keep your home cook happy, or let a joyful person cook for your family!

What to Eat?

Eat fresh, sattvic food rich in prana (life energy). Use spices moderately. Consider that your taste buds guide your nutritional needs: sometimes you may crave sweet or spicy foods to balance your body’s needs. Choose wholesome options like jaggery, palm sugar, honey, or dates instead of refined sugar. Fulfill each taste craving with nourishing, natural ingredients.

How to Eat?

Eat only when hungry, not as a hobby or for company. Say a prayer of gratitude before you begin, treating your meal as divine Prasad. Focus fully on the food, remain silent, and refrain from using gadgets while eating. Sit on the floor, as it aids digestion. Chew slowly, grinding each bite with saliva for easier digestion. Enjoy the flavors and notice any changes in taste as you eat.

When to Stop Eating?

A change in food taste signals that satiety is near. Stop eating at this point, even if you feel like having more, as there’s a delay in satiety signals between the gut and brain. Leave your stomach half full to avoid overeating.

Take Good Care of Your Guests 

Imagine your stomach as your home and food as visiting relatives. Just as you’d manage guests better in smaller groups, consume food in moderation. For better digestion, especially for those with diabetes, eat in smaller quantities but more frequently if needed.

Cleanse Your System

Just as you clean your home, cleanse your stomach every three months. Ayurvedic medicine recommends a gentle purge to remove toxins, which enhances health and optimizes the body’s response to treatments.

Why Not Bathe Before or After Eating?

Digestion requires heat and blood flow concentrated in the stomach. Bathing lowers body temperature and redirects blood flow, so eat 45 minutes after bathing or wait 2.5 hours after eating to bathe for optimal digestion.

Importance of  Water:

Approximately 60% of our body is composed of water, making adequate hydration essential for proper metabolic functioning. Good hydration rejuvenates the brain, skin, and kidneys. Since 90% of our blood consists of water, it plays a critical role in oxygen transport throughout the body. Water also regulates body temperature and maintains homeostasis.

How Much and How to Drink?

Water needs vary between individuals, so there isn’t a universal daily target. Pay attention to your thirst and drink water in small sips, slowly and mindfully, as if eating solid food. Sit down and savor the taste of the water. Avoid drinking while standing. Always carry a steel or copper water bottle, avoiding plastic for regular use.

Which Water to Drink?

Avoid mineral and canned water, as they often lack nutrients. Tap water, when purified, can be a better source of minerals. Avoid using water filters; instead, store water in a clay pot or copper vessel overnight for natural purification. If you prioritize water purity, consider using Ayurvedic packs.

How to Make Ayurvedic Water

Ayurvedic packs often include dried ginger, cardamom, coriander seeds, vetiver (ushira), nannari (sariva), and pathimugam (wild Himalayan cherry). Boil 5 liters of water, add a pinch of the Ayurvedic powder, store it overnight in a pot or copper vessel, then strain it for drinking. These packs are readily available in general or Ayurvedic stores. The herbs not only purify the water and give it a pinkish hue but also offer numerous health benefits.

Ideas for Herbal Waters

Experiment with different herbal waters, like cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, tulsi, ginger, mint, lemon, ajwain, and oregano water. Each day can bring a new herbal infusion, similar to trying different recipes.

When to Drink Water?

Drink water either 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after meals. Avoid drinking water while eating, as it dilutes hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is essential for digesting food.

Conclusion:

In summary, food and water are the foundation of health and vigour and are more than merely means of subsistence. All body functions are supported, immunity is increased, and mental clarity is improved when a balanced diet and enough water are consumed. People can live active, productive lives and experience long-term health benefits by placing a high priority on the quality of their food and water intake. In addition to being a personal duty, taking care of these necessities is a step toward a world that is healthier and more balanced.

By Nomitha Baanu T