Morning hydration: Why it matters
While many people reach for a coffee the moment they wake up, the body’s real first need is just water.
After six to eight hours without fluids, your system is craving hydration.
Water is a necessary part of life. The body is 70 per cent water, so it is not surprising that you need to drink water every single day to maintain a healthy body.
Experts say that there are a lot of health benefits to drinking water when you first wake up. In fact, drinking water should be the very first thing you do.
Some experts believe that it’s best to drink a few cups of water and then wait at least 45 minutes before eating or drinking anything else. Others say that a cup of coffee — which dehydrates you — is okay, as long as you pair it with a glass of water.
Overall, find a water routine that works best for you. But it should always be at the beginning of the day and continue throughout the day.
How much water should you drink?
Some experts recommend a beginning of the day with three full cups of water. Slowly increase the amount of water taken every morning for the body to adjust. Drinking any at all is better than none.
Find the amount of water that makes you feel best.
What is special about the morning?
The body is fasting the entire time that you are asleep — and, often, for a few hours before sleep. Fasting means that you aren’t eating or drinking anything. So the stomach is empty and you are dehydrated when you first wake up.
Drinking water in the morning helps the body recover from its nightly dehydration. The body absorbs water faster when the stomach is empty.
Dehydration can lead to several health problems, so you should rehydrate by drinking water as soon as possible.
What are the advantages of drinking water first thing in the morning?
Some advantages of drinking water first thing in the morning include:
Better skin
Dehydration can really damage your skin. Drinking water in the morning will lead to better-hydrated skin and reduced wrinkles and will increase the skin’s natural glow.
Better hair
The hair is 25 per cent water. Too little water can make it dry and brittle. Drinking water in the morning can increase its shine and strength.
A boosted immune system
Drinking water on an empty stomach helps balance the lymph system — an important part of the immune system. This makes it easier for the body to fight off infections.
Fewer kidney stones
Water dilutes the acid in the kidneys, so fewer kidney stones form.
Cleansed bowels
Drinking water before eating breakfast helps flush out the bowels every morning. This can help keep harmful bacteria from building up. It also helps your intestines absorb nutrients faster.
Increased toxin flushing
Drinking lots of water will help you flush toxins out of all areas of your body. This will help the immune system and make you feel better overall.
Decreased heartburn
Drinking water first thing in the morning will dilute the stomach acid and help digest food.
Fewer headaches
Dehydration commonly causes headaches. By drinking water first thing, you can decrease the number of headaches that you get.
