Top 5 benefits of water therapy

Be it Ayurveda or Japanese rituals, all ancient cultures propagate the importance of water consumption to cure various ailments as well as shed some kilos.
So how does water therapy really work?
It's meant to be implemented first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. As soon as you wake up, try and drink at least a litre of filtered water. If you can have it lukewarm, it will help tremendously in detoxifying your whole body as well as breaking down and eliminating all the fat deposits.
You can actually make it more effective by adding juice of one lime or lemon to the lukewarm water. Alternatively, you could leave a slice of lime or lemon overnight in a litre of water. This will help all the essential flavours and nutrients to eventually seep into the water.
It is also recommended that when you start the water therapy, you should, ideally, avoid eating anything for at least an hour or two. If you want to intensify the effects of this therapy, aim to eat only fruits and vegetables as the first meal.
Metabolism booster
Water therapy can boost your metabolism by up to 25 per cent, which, in turn, will help you shed excess fat. Everything you eat will be burned faster, so you may feel hungrier. However, that's fine because it means your metabolism is no longer sluggish. Of course, if you exercise, then your metabolism will boost to another level altogether.
Skin cleanser
As the toxins are eliminated from your body, you will find that your skin and hair will acquire a glow that you would never have seen before. The lemon will add to the detoxification and the alkalising effect will clear out your skin issues. For chronic skin problems, it is best to see a specialist.
Inflammation
When you drink clean, clear alkalising water first thing in the morning, your system starts to respond in so many different ways. Studies show that water therapy can help prevent and eliminate rheumatoid arthritis and other issues like migraine, headaches and constipation.
Purifies colon
Since you consume water first thing in the morning and then wait for an hour to actually eat anything, the colon gets a chance to eliminate a lot of toxins as well. When we are flushing the system with warm alkalising water, the colon benefits by eliminating what's in the system.
Balances lymph system
Most of our body's water comprises of lymphatic fluid. It flows much slowly because the heart does not pump the lymphatic fluid. With water therapy, the lymphatic system is instantly activated; it also eliminates toxins out of the body. This enables better absorption of nutrients in the cells and hence better nourishment and repair of cells.
Verdict: The Japanese Medical Society has found water therapy to be an important cure for various ailments, ranging from arthritis to epilepsy to throat diseases. All you need to do is to make sure you follow the steps outlined above to maximise the benefits of water consumption. And, of course, make it a lifestyle change rather than a one-week fad!
wknd@khaleejtimes.com