Why You Should Drink Water On An Empty Stomach Immediately After Waking Up

It’s a well-known fact that “approximately 60 percent of the human body is made up of water.” Considering this significant composition, it’s clear that “water is essential for life.” This makes us wonder about the specific benefits of making a habit of drinking water right after waking up in the morning.

While there are various ideas floating around about this morning practice, it’s helpful to look at the potential positives.

Water plays a vital role in numerous processes within our bodies. These include “controlling body temperature,” which helps us stay regulated, “aiding digestion,” ensuring our food is processed efficiently, and “facilitating the movement of nutrients and waste in and out of cells,” which is fundamental for overall cellular health.

Throughout our daily activities, “the body loses water through sweat, urine, breath, and body movements.” To maintain proper bodily functions, “it is essential to take enough water in order to make up for these loses.” Failing to replenish these fluids “can lead to dehydration,” which can have negative effects on our well-being.

Many people believe that “having water first thing in morning is believed to rehydrate the body,” and in a general sense, this is true. After sleeping for several hours without fluid intake, our bodies can naturally be a little dehydrated.

It’s also a common notion that “the color of their urine is an indicator of how hydrated they are,” but it’s important to note that “according to a number of studies, this does not necessarily reflect one’s hydration status accurately.” While urine color can offer some clues, it’s not the only factor to consider.

“While drinking water first thing in the morning does offer certain benefits, the timing of water consumption may not be the determining factor in these outcomes.” In other words, the positive effects we experience from hydration are likely due to maintaining adequate water levels throughout the day, rather than solely drinking water upon waking.

Furthermore, “the claims that drinking water on an empty stomach improves mental performance or skin health are also not scientifically proven.” While staying hydrated is undoubtedly important for both cognitive function and skin health, “hydration does impact the body and skin regardless of the time of the day you have your water.” The key takeaway is “staying hydrated throughout the day, not necessarily drink water first thing in the morning.”

The connection between “drinking water and weight loss” is often discussed and “it’s a complex one.” It’s true that “drinking enough water provides a feeling of fullness, and with that, reduced calorie consumption.” Some “studied claim that water-induced thermogenesis can accelerate metabolism,” but it’s important to understand that “the time we drink water doesn’t affect weight loss results significantly.” In fact, “water consumption shortly before a meal might interfere with digestion” for some individuals.

The ideal “daily water intake depends on several factors, such as age, gender, activity level, and overall health.” Therefore, a one-size-fits-all recommendation isn’t always appropriate.

“A common guideline many people stick to is the ‘8×8’ rule. This refers to drinking 8-ounce glasses of water per day, but again, this is different from person to person.” It’s more important to listen to your body’s thirst cues and adjust your fluid intake accordingly.

In conclusion, “drinking enough water throughout the day is essential for our overall health and well-being,” and while starting your day with water can be a positive habit for rehydration after sleep, “the time we drink it shouldn’t be a major concern” as long as we maintain adequate hydration levels throughout the day.