In today’s fast-paced world, most of us overlook the importance of simple habits that can significantly affect our health. One such overlooked habit is when and how we drink water, especially around meal times. The 40-90 Water Rule offers an easy yet effective way to improve digestion, prevent lifestyle disorders, and maintain a healthy body weight.
What is the 40-90 Water Rule?
The 40-90 water rule is simple:
- Drink water 40 minutes before your meal.
- Drink water 90 minutes after your meal.
This method might sound easy, but it has a profound impact on how your body digests food and absorbs nutrients.
Why is this Rule Important?
When we drink water along with our food, we unknowingly dilute the digestive juices in our stomach, primarily hydrochloric acid, which is essential for breaking down food properly. Dilution of these juices can result in poor digestion, leaving partially digested food in the gut. This leads to the production of toxins, known as AMA in Ayurveda.
What is AMA?
In Ayurveda, AMA is described as toxic waste that forms due to improper digestion. AMA accumulation is considered the root cause of various health issues, including:
- PCOD and PCOS
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- PMS
- Weight gain
- Digestive disorders
These are not just minor issues; they are increasingly becoming major lifestyle diseases that affect millions of people worldwide, especially women. Following the 40-90 Water Rule helps in preventing the buildup of AMA, promoting better health.
Additional Tips for Optimal Hydration
While the 40-90 rule is an excellent guide for meal-time water consumption, here are some other water-related tips that can enhance your health:
1. Avoid Cold Water
Cold water slows down digestion. Always choose room-temperature or lukewarm water to boost your digestive process. This helps in breaking down food more efficiently and avoids digestive discomfort.
2. Sip Water Slowly
Never gulp down water. Instead, drink it sip-by-sip like you would enjoy a hot cup of tea. This ensures that saliva mixes well with the water, which is important for digestion.
3. Morning Detox: 2-3 Glasses of Water
Make it a habit to drink 2-3 glasses of water first thing in the morning, even before brushing your teeth. The saliva that accumulates overnight has natural medicinal properties, and drinking water first thing helps detoxify the body. This habit also kick-starts your metabolism and flushes out toxins accumulated overnight.
4. Calculate Your Daily Water Intake
A simple way to know how much water you should consume daily is to take your weight, divide it by 10, and subtract 2 from the result. This number gives you the ideal liters of water you should aim to drink each day.
5. Alternatives to Water During Meals
If you feel thirsty during meals, avoid drinking water. Instead, opt for buttermilk (chaas), vegetable juice, or fruit juice. Limit the quantity to 100 ml or half a glass to avoid disrupting digestion.
Did You Know?
Sipping hot water during your menstrual cycle can significantly reduce menstrual bleeding, pain intensity, and cramps. This simple practice prevents blood from thickening, helps reduce backaches, and keeps you hydrated, easing menstrual discomfort. Staying hydrated with hot water can be a life-saver for women struggling with period-related issues.
Beat Sedentary Habits with Our 5-Days-a-Week Fitness Program
Hydration is just one part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To truly combat the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, regular physical activity is key. At Sedentary Lifestyle Solutions, we offer a comprehensive 5-day-a-week fitness program that includes:
- Zumba® for fun and energetic cardio sessions
- Strength Training to build muscle and improve metabolism
- Diet Consultation to ensure you get the right nutrients and stay on track with your hydration goals
Our program is designed to help you break free from a sedentary routine without drastically changing your daily life. Whether you’re a beginner or already on your fitness journey, our workouts and expert guidance will keep you on the path to better health.
Conclusion
By following the 40-90 Water Rule and incorporating a consistent fitness routine, you can significantly improve your digestion, avoid common lifestyle disorders like PCOD, and maintain a healthier body. Don’t let poor hydration or a sedentary lifestyle hold you back—start taking simple steps today for a healthier tomorrow.
To learn more about our programs and stay fit with us, join our 5-day-a-week fitness journey that combines fun workouts, strength training, and diet consultation to keep you active and healthy!
Stay hydrated, stay fit!
