How Ayurveda defines Hydration & Dehydration?

Why body hydration is so important for your health?

An average human adult body weight constitutes of approximately 60-70% of water. This percentage of body water may vary from person to person depending on the age, weight, sex and a prakriti of a person. This water starts to perspire more during summers, hot weather conditions and while, doing prolonged physical exercises. Water keeps every cell of your body in a healthy state as an animal cell comprises of almost 46% from inside while, 23% is present in blood plasma and other body fluids. The enzymes require water in their structures to keep them functional and water helps to maintain the polarity, solubility and the reactions taking place during a process. The enzymes work up to their optimal level in presence of sufficient water. It helps in excretion of waste material, perspiration helps in regulation of body temperature, pH balance, etc.

How Ayurveda defines Dehydration?

Trushna and Pipasa are the two words used by Acharya Charak in Ayurved. But the difference is Trushna is pathologically originated thirst while, Pipasa is considered as physiological one i.e.,Pipasa is not disease originated one. Trushna is caused by Vata and Pitta doshas as Vata dosha has drying property while, Pitta dosha has heating property which dries up the water contents of the body (Dehydrating the Body ) . This whole thing aggravates during summer and especially at the time of loo (strong, hot and dry wind).

How dehydration can lead to physical and mental issues?

Prolong thirst or dehydration can reduce our cognitive function like memorizing notes, learning, paying attention, taking decisions, reasoning. Dehydration can be a trigger to severe migraines and headaches which can significantly impact mental health by causing discomfort. Mild dehydration can cause effect on blood pressure, heart rate while, in severe conditions it can cause heat stroke.

What are the causative factors according to Ayurveda?

According to Charak Samhita, mental issues like irritation, bhaya, anger, grief etc kind of emotions can lead to excessive thirst. Physical conditions like excessive vamana kriya, exposure to sun etc, can also be a causative factor for it.

Consumption of food items which are sour, salty, pungent, dry, hot and spicy can lead to excessive thirst.

How to keep body hydrated with healthy habits?

1. Apply Shweta Chandan (Sandalwood) paste on your forehead as it helps in lowering the body temperature by Thermoregulation and also helps to calm mind.
2. You can change your meal from heavy and solid food items to light and juicy ones.
3. Consume fresh juicy fruits like watermelon, musk melon, litchi, tender coconut water,
4. Consume Nimbu Sharbat (lemon juice), sugarcane juice, watermelon juice, aam ka pana (raw mango), buttermilk etc.
5. You can increase use of rose syrup or gulkanda, etc which will reduce your body heat.
6. You can use lajamanda (puffed rice cooked in water). This provides instant energy and hydration to the body. It is very effective in post-diarrheal dehydration.

Which food increases the dehydration of your body?

1. Consumption of hot and spicy foods.
2. Consumption of fermented food in hot regions can increase your thirst and increase the acid reflux.
3. Consumption of maida, bakery items.
4. Consumption of super light and dry food items like corn, dry roasted grains etc.

 REFERENCES:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_water

Charak Samhita