Drinking water is crucial for our health, and traditional Chinese medicine has many insights on this. There is no fixed rule regarding the necessity of drinking eight glasses of water daily. Individuals should adjust their water intake based on their physical condition, such as body size and health status. For those with poor kidney function, it is advisable to follow the doctor’s advice on proper water intake. Traditional Chinese medicine theory emphasizes that yang qi plays a key role in water metabolism, and excessive water intake, especially for those with insufficient spleen yang, may be detrimental to health.
An average adult requires approximately 1000 to 1500 milliliters of water intake per day, including direct water consumption and water content in food. Water intake should be flexibly adjusted according to individual constitution, environmental temperature, and health status. For example, in hot weather, during intense physical labor, or when ill (such as fever or constipation), increasing water intake is necessary. However, patients with heart and kidney diseases should carefully control their water intake and follow medical advice.
The correct way of drinking water is essential. Drinking water in the morning is beneficial for health, but excessive consumption of cold water should be avoided to prevent spleen yang damage. In daily life, water should be consumed according to the body’s needs, not mechanically on a timed and quantified basis. Observing the color of urine is a simple way to determine if water intake is sufficient: pale yellow is normal, darker colors indicate the need for more water, while too light might suggest excessive water intake.
Choosing the right times to drink water can also enhance health benefits, such as in the morning upon waking up, in the afternoon when fatigued, before dinner, and before sleep. Moreover, it is advisable to sip water slowly and in small amounts to prevent burdening the heart with a large amount consumed at once.
Regarding the consumption of “yin-yang water” (a mix of raw and boiled water), it is not recommended unless the water has undergone purification, as it may contain harmful substances, increasing the risk of infection.
In conclusion, moderate and scientific water intake is greatly beneficial for maintaining good health, promoting metabolism, and enhancing bodily functions. Let us develop good water-drinking habits to keep health on our side.
