Water is the source of life, and the human body is about 65% water. It can be said that humans are made of water. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that water can nourish Yin and is the first natural food for nourishing Yin and generating body fluids. Drinking water is considered the first method of health preservation. Drinking water seems like a common thing, but getting it right is not that simple.
1. Drinking too much water in the morning harms the spleen yang
After a night of consumption, the blood concentration in the body is higher in the morning. Drinking water at this time can prevent the blood from becoming too sticky and can also promote bowel movements. However, morning is the time when the body's yang energy is generated, while water is yin in nature and can easily harm the spleen yang. Therefore, it is not advisable to drink too much water in the morning, and cold water should not be consumed. Children and the elderly with weaker constitutions can drink half a cup (about 100 milliliters) of water, while adults can drink a cup.
2. Drink water according to your needs
Traditional Chinese medicine does not advocate drinking water when not thirsty and suggests drinking water according to your needs. Drinking too much water can actually harm the kidneys. Age, physical condition, climate, and geographical location can all affect the body's water requirements. For example, in cold winter, the body naturally needs less water; in hot summer, more water is needed. The amount of water to drink varies from person to person. Healthy individuals can judge whether they need water by signals such as dry mouth, dry stools, and dark yellow urine. For example, normal urine color should be pale yellow. If the color is too dark, it indicates the need for more water, while a very light color may indicate excessive water intake.
3. The best times to drink water
Drinking a glass of water in the morning after getting up can help with bowel movements and promote intestinal lubrication. After a nap, the body consumes the high-energy intake from lunch and may feel tired. Drinking a glass of water (preferably green tea) between 13:00 and 15:00 can help prevent drowsiness and lower blood lipid levels. Drinking a glass of water before dinner can cleanse the body's physiological "toilet" by flushing the bladder and excreting kidney toxins, and it can also prevent gallstones, kidney stones, and other diseases. Drinking a glass of water before going to bed at night can nourish Yin and prevent blood clotting. These are the best times to drink water every day, and additional water intake can be adjusted as needed.
4. Do not drink water in large quantities or quickly
When thirsty, many people are accustomed to gulping down water. However, drinking water in large quantities and quickly can suddenly increase the heart's workload. Drinking water during meals can dilute stomach acid and affect digestion. The correct principle for drinking water is to drink small amounts, multiple times, and slowly. Holding a mouthful of water and swallowing it gradually can fully moisturize the mouth and throat, effectively relieving thirst. In addition, people with heart failure, acute nephritis, and renal failure should not drink too much water.
5. Drink less "yin-yang water"
The so-called "yin-yang water" usually refers to a mixture of raw water (mineral water, tap water, etc.) and boiled water. There have been claims on the internet that drinking "yin-yang water" can help eliminate intestinal toxins, but these statements have no scientific basis. Water purified by water dispensers is harmless when mixed together, but raw water such as tap water and well water contains harmful substances such as bacteria, pathogens, and parasites. Mixing them with boiled water can introduce many microorganisms and toxins, which may cause intestinal infections and is not advisable.
