Water and other fluids help to moisten the food and, as stated in previous blog posts, are very beneficial. But, too much (fluid) can be just as problematic as too little. If you take too much, you can alter the pH of the stomach acids and dilute the digestive enzymes and again interfere with their effectiveness. This is likened to putting water on a fire. If you put on too much, you will make it weaker.
How much is the right amount? In general, take 1/2 cup of room temperature liquid with each meal. Of course, if your meal is soup, you donít need to take much, if any, fluid. If you are taking something very dry, you may need a little more. Remember that a cup is 8 oz. and not the common 12 oz. mugs found in many homes and cafes. And it is most certainly not the 16 oz. Grande or 20 oz. Venti cups served at popular coffee houses. Size matters!
Excerpt from Healing Your Life, Lessons on the Path of Ayurveda, by Dr. Marc Halpern, Founder of the California College of Ayurveda.
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