Vedic science maintains that a human should only drink water when thirsty. “Drink water when you are thirsty,” our ancestors got it right. But now all you hear is, “Drink loads of water every day.” We are in the 21st century and much confusion looms over the daily quantity of water, whether thirsty or not, the temperature of the water, whether warm or cold, or the time to drink water, morning or night, or the healthiest water to drink. Water is the second most essential ingredient of life, the first being air. It is the sixth of all major nutrients. These questions become irrelevant when we see what our ancestors had to do to get drinking water. Even today, in some parts of the world, people walk miles to procure water. Some are exposed to dangerous paths with predators and bandits. They wait for turns to hoist water from deep wells and carry it back. Only a bucket of water is used for drinking, bathing, feeding animals and so much more. Since the bottled water seduced the modern consumers who felt their life was threatened with simple tap water, things got a bit mucked up. We not only started fantasising that we were drinking pristine and pure water from divine mountain springs but we also started to calculate the quantity and devise formulas for it. As the famous French writer, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, wrote, “Water, thou hast no taste, no colour, no odour; canst not be defined,” it is so correct that most people can’t identify and quantify the essential life-sustaining elements of water. Most medical advice is based on a high quantity of water (at least three litres or more, which makes about three large bottled water containers). The standard advice is extended all round the year to the public regardless of their physical activity, weight and climate. It sounds like the bottled water companies have managed to convince the consumer minds and add more profits for the entire chain of promoters. Interestingly, Vedic science reveals a very different understanding and practice regarding hydration. Ayurveda classifies water as chemical energy and one of the five elements present in our body (other being fire, earth, air and space). All five elements are present in our physiology. Within a cell, the cytoplasm is water. Every cell has a high level of intelligence, and it chooses the nutrients it needs, to function effectively. The sight of water creates thirst and is an essential element for the sense of taste. Our tongue cannot taste anything without moisture. Moisture is required for digesting the food and excreting toxins out of the body. For these reasons, we tend to drink water without considering the right time and quantity. Over-hydration and adopting improper ways of drinking can cause, gases in the digestive system, oedema, lethargy due to low sodium, kidney stones, sinus issues and even obesity. Vedic science reveals a very different understanding and practice regarding hydration. Ayurveda classifies water as chemical energy and one of the five elements present in our body (other being fire, earth, air and space) Vedic science maintains that a human should only drink water when thirsty. The body will also take into account the climatic conditions to determine its need. In cold weather, the body doesn’t sweat much, and the need is less. Moisture is obtained not only from the water we drink but also from the foods that we eat. Foods containing high moisture must form part of every meal in the day. High protein diet enhances the need for more water intake as animal meat releases higher levels of toxins in the body and requires to be flushed out. Brilliant research, “The Story of Water” published in Be Agriculture, pointed out, “Water has a high viscosity or resistance, relative to other liquids. This also allows it to retain heat to help regulate our weather and be a great facilitator of sound waves.” This aspect of water supports the ancient and interesting perspective of Vedic philosophy. Since our body contains 70 per cent water in different forms, over-hydration may cause mood swings during the full moon, just the way oceans are influenced by higher tide action. Caution and a point to observe. Bottled water has also altered our intake method. Eastern science promotes that water should be taken while sitting down and with one’s head tilted downward. Consider you are drinking out of a saucer or the palm of your hand. Whereas, when we drink out of a bottle, the head is titled upwards, allowing much air to enter the digestive system along with water. Water is used as an important component of detoxification (Kriya in Sanskirt). One safe method is to drink two glasses of lukewarm water early in the morning, which helps to wash out the digestive tract accumulated with toxins during the night. If one is suffering from constipation, more than two glasses of lukewarm water can be taken in the morning. Rest of the day, water at cooler temperature can be consumed. The body burns 10 calories to turn the cold water to its acceptable warm temperature for absorption. Like all functions of the human body, hydration is maintained via intricate balances. Any excessive practices can destabilise this delicate balance. Nature also holds this tender balance in water and contamination of it will alter our habits and mind and consequently our health. Think purely! The writer is a wellness and yoga expert