Around 60% of the human body is made up of water. Knowing this, it’s no surprise that water is essential for survival—but have you ever thought about how good it is to drink water right after waking up?
There are plenty of claims floating around about this morning habit—some true, some not so much. Let’s dive into the possible benefits and sort it all out.
Water plays a vital role in keeping your body running smoothly. It helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, and makes it possible for nutrients and waste to move in and out of your cells.
Throughout the day, our bodies naturally lose water through sweat, urine, breathing, and movement. That’s why staying hydrated by drinking enough water is so important to replenish what’s lost.
If you don’t, it can result in dehydration.
A common belief is that drinking water first thing in the morning helps rehydrate the body. However, “this isn’t entirely true.”
A lot of people think the color of their urine is a reliable way to gauge how hydrated they are. But, as several studies have shown, “this does not necessarily reflect one’s hydration status accurately.”
While having water in the morning does come with its benefits, the specific timing of when you drink water doesn’t seem to be the key factor in experiencing those benefits.
The idea that drinking water on an empty stomach boosts mental performance or improves skin health isn’t backed by science. While staying hydrated does benefit your body and skin, it doesn’t really matter when you drink it. What’s important is keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day, not necessarily chugging water first thing in the morning.
When it comes to water and weight loss, the connection is a bit more complicated. Drinking enough water can help you feel fuller, which might lead to eating fewer calories.
Some studies suggest that “water-induced thermogenesis” could help speed up metabolism, but the timing of your water intake doesn’t have a huge impact on weight loss. In fact, drinking water right before a meal might even mess with your digestion.
How much water you need each day depends on various factors like your age, gender, activity level, and overall health.
A popular rule of thumb that many follow is the “8×8” rule, which means drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. However, the ideal amount of water can vary depending on the individual.
To wrap it up, staying hydrated is crucial for your health and well-being, but the exact timing of when you drink water doesn’t need to be a big focus.