Drinking Water before or After food? A Wrong Habit – Ayurveda Proof

I have seen in many online platforms, many Ayurvedic doctors suggesting to drink water after food. Let us nail this subject with authentic traditional reference once and for all. Let us empty out all doubts regarding this topic for once.

How much water should we actually drink? I have written about this, in detail here. To sum up, You are supposed to drink water only when thirsty. Thirst is a natural urge. Natural urges should be attended only when they arrive, as per Ayurveda. For example, we need to eat food only when we are hungry. We need to urinate and defecate only when there is an urge for them. Purpose is to maintain body’s natural circardian rhythm. To attune body to the nature based on signals given by nature. So, the point is, a normal person do not need excess of water to drink. However, in certain diseases, there are exceptions

When to drink water, in relation to meal? Many Ayurveda doctors, many science websites including ‘Discovery’ have advised not to drink water in between a meal. But As per Ayurveda, you are supposed to drink water between the meals only. (Let us get to its reference a bit later.)

Drinking water before food – As per Ayurveda, it dilutes and weakens Agni – digestion strength. Because water is coolant. A principle directly opposite to digestion strength. Hence taking water before food is not ideal.

Drinking water after food – It affects both the quality of food and digestion strength. It gives a touch of coolant effect to whatever the food is eaten. Hence a person tends to become obese over a period of time, by this method. Hence it is not ideal.

Drinking water in between food – It helps to moisten the food, it helps to breakdown food particles into smaller pieces, it quenches thirst, hence it is ideal.

Reference: Ashtanga Hrudayam, Sutrasthana 5th chapter

Meaning – Water should not be consumed / water should be consumed in very little quantity, by those suffering from poor digestive function, tumors of the abdomen, anaemia, enlargement of the abdomen, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, diseases of the duodenum, dropsy. Excepting for Sharad (autumn) and Nidagha (summer) even healthy persons should drink less quantity of water in rest other seasons . 13-14

Jalapana phala- (effects of drinking water with respect to meals)

Drinking water before meals – causes emaciation, weakness. Drinking water after meals – causes obesity Drinking water in between meals – healthy habit