The Health Risks of Drinking Water While Standing

Have you ever been cautioned by your elders or family members against drinking water while standing? Drinking water is essential not just for staying hydrated, but also to ensure proper body functioning. However, there is an ongoing debate on the risks of drinking water while standing among doctors, community elders, and even Ayurvedic experts. Let us take a closer look at the same below. 

Drinking water while standing is generally avoidable due to the following reasons. 

    • It is advised to drink in a sitting position to harness the benefits of water since standing means that the body is in a state of tension. It may lead to quick water flow down the body, potentially disrupting fluid balance. 

    • Standing and drinking water may also lead to indigestion and other problems. Whenever you stand and gulp down water, it may move downwards into the food canal faster and with immense force. Once it directly falls onto your lower stomach, it may lead to indigestion and higher toxins. 

    • There is also a school of thought that quick water consumption in a standing position may lead to fluid balance disruption due to tensed nerves, thereby accumulating more fluids in the joints. It may trigger symptoms of arthritis and joint pain in the future. 

    • Some doctors also say that it may lead to the necessary vitamins and nutrients in water being unable to reach the digestive tract and liver. This naturally disturbs the oxygen levels and leads to heart and lung function-related risks. 

    • Our kidneys may also filter fluids better when we sit and consume them. Standing and drinking water leads to the fluid passing through without filtration to the lower stomach. Since it is at high pressure, it may lead to impurities in water moving into the bladder, potentially damaging kidney functions and leading to urinary tract ailments. 

The right way to consume regular or mineral water is while sitting on a chair and keeping your back erect throughout the process. In this manner, the vital nutrients in water will reach the brain and enhance brain functions, while digestion will also improve, without any chances of bloating. 

Must Read: TDS in Drinking Water

The Ayurveda school of thought strongly recommends against drinking water while standing, saying it harms the digestive system. Experts say that it disturbs the fluid balance and leads to indigestion. They also feel that our bodies only get the benefits of water when we drink it while in a sitting position. These experts also highlight accumulation in the joint zones when we drink water in a standing position, due to which there are risks of arthritis and the generation of toxins in the body as well. 

So, the core takeaway from both Ayurvedic and general wisdom is the same- it is harmful to drink in a standing position since it leads to nervous tension and multiple issues resulting from water entering the body at higher speed and force. However, there are some doctors who steadfastly state that there are no hard and fast rules regarding drinking water while sitting or standing. They feel that the core aim of people should be to stay hydrated since there is limited evidence regarding the negative impacts of drinking water in a standing position. 

Also Read: Side Effects of Drinking Cold Water

First and foremost, you should focus on suitable hydration each day, drinking sufficient water without fail. Secondly, try to drink water in a sitting position whenever possible. However, sometimes you cannot avoid drinking water while standing¸ particularly when you are outdoors. In these scenarios, remember to drink slowly without gulping down water rapidly.