Drinking Water: How to down those 2 l a day?

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We know too well how important it is to drink plenty of water, but easier said than done: I have heard people literally say they don’t like water.

I was once so fortunate as to have access to unlimited spring water which was as I thought a great incentive to improve my water drinking habits. 

For some time I was drinking several glasses during the morning but come noon I was frozen and in need of warming up with a good lunch. In the afternoon my endeavors of drinking the remaining quota dwindled, as I subconsciously was avoiding the chilly experience of the morning.

Hang on, just need to pour myself a nice glass of water.

The chilly mornings continued for too long until finally due to my interest in Chinese culture I was introduced to the idea of drinking boiled water.   

My kettle now became involved in the procedure, and at first, I would sip the hot cuppa. Not being able to down the quantity required I would let the drink stand. To my great joy, I discovered that water cooled to almost body temperature was very drinkable and refreshing. Reaching for the cup became a pleasure just as reaching my daily water quota.

Water which has reached boiling point has lower surface tension than “raw” water. Due to its higher temperature and “boiling message”, it is warm to the body. It doesn´t give a cold shock to the stomach and digestive system which would usually need a lot of energy to warm up to body temperature again. For the many people with weak digestion, and those who easily feel the cold, this is a big deal. More firey individuals can handle a cooler shot of H2O no problem, but even here cold or iced water is not healthy. For all who find it difficult to drink enough water, drinking cooled down water is the ticket. There is still the problem of having access to water during the day. If you spend time in one location, you may use a large thermos to keep boiled water nearby and a cup where you will pour the water and let it cool down to your favorite temperature. If you move about more you may become one of those individuals that carry a small thermos of water cooled to perfect drinking temperature with them and beat any dehydration crisis when up and about. It is good to drink larger quantities of water in one go, such as the amount of at least one to two glasses, instead of sipping away throughout the day.

If you drink two tepid (cooled down) glasses of water on waking, you will find this will help your digestion and morning elimination.  One can drink up to four glasses at this time of the day but needs to leave an hour at least to breakfast time. Two hours after breakfast it’s time to drink a mid-morning quota of 2 glasses, with another hour until the next meal or snack. At this rate there are only 2 glasses to drink in the afternoon can easily be extended to 3.  After 6.30 there shouldn’t be any more water drinking, as this timing will increase unwelcome damp in the body. The boiling, thermosing and cooling down takes a little getting used to, but its a basic health measure which will bring you plenty of benefits.

Also published on Medium.