Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 11/13/2011

Question
Dear Dr.Kristina Conner,
         One of my friend drink 8 to 10 tumbler of water on empty stomach.He followed this for about 8 years.Now he is 45 and good health.He told dring water on empty stomach clean the whole system.And this makes his body young.pl kindly tell me whether any harm in drinking water on empty stomach.I heard water to be taken after meals or whenever our body urge and excess water not good for health and it make kidney work more.

The second question is I eat rice,sambar ,rasam,vegetable,curd in enough  quantities during lunch.All south indian meals.In mornnig I have taken idly made of rice.once in 3 days i prefer to eat wheat based meals.Nonveg only once per week.My weight is under control since no sugar i am adding and salt also very less.Is there any problem of eating much during lunch in afternoon since body has to work hard to digest.My friend argued every human body has some dutycycle .Those who eat less can live longer.others can aged soon because the body worked hard and life cycle of all organs are finished at the age of 55.Is there any truth behind it.Should I have to cut all and take only min amount to increase my lifetime?

Regards,
Nithish

Answer
Hello Nithish,
I cannot make a specific recommendation on how much water you need, that is based on the individual's weight and activity level, drinks and medications they may take.  general recommendations are 1/3-1/2 the body weight converted into ounces per day, with additional water for exercise/ activity, if drinks like coffee, tea, soda, alcohol are also taken or diuretic medications.  It is ideal to drink most water between meals since too much with meals may decrease acid production and enzyme production.  Excess can be harmful but a moderate amount is usually fine.  
There is some indication that calorie restriction in animals may prolong life, but this has not been proven in humans yet.  And the calorie restriction needs to be significant if this is true, a reduction in 25-30% of normal intake.  Larger meals earlier in the day rather than in the evening may be easier for digestion, but any very large meals at any time might be too taxing for digestion.
In health,
Dr Conner