Did you know that our bodies are composed of 70% water? This is why staying hydrated is so important to maintain alertness and energy throughout the day.
Dehydration can have adverse effects on our health and may lead to various issues such as rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, angina, colitis, digestive disorders, high blood pressure, obesity, hemorrhoids, tuberculosis, kidney stones, sinusitis, and even breast and cervical cancer. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning, ensuring your body stays hydrated throughout the day.
1 Rehydrate Your Body
Our bodies go without food or water for 6-8 hours while we sleep. Therefore, it is essential to rehydrate first thing in the morning. Drinking 2-3 glasses of water when you wake up helps replenish the fluids your body needs and also helps your intestines and other organs gradually adjust after a long rest.
2 Boost Alertness
Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue and lethargy. Drinking water after a long sleep helps prepare your body for the day ahead, increasing alertness and energy levels. If you rush to eat breakfast without hydrating first, it can be a shock to your system. Water stimulates the growth of red blood cells and increases oxygen in the blood. So, instead of reaching for coffee or tea in the morning, try drinking water first.
3 Fuel Your Brain
Remember, proper hydration is key to optimal brain function. When your body is dehydrated, your brain works with insufficient “fuel,” leading to feelings of lethargy, mood instability, and even exhaustion. Dehydration can also negatively impact your memory.
4 Fight Illness and Boost Immunity
Drinking water in the morning can help balance your immune system. It assists your body in fighting off illnesses and protecting against harmful viruses.
5 Detoxify Your Body
During sleep, our bodies naturally detoxify and eliminate toxins. Drinking a few glasses of water in the morning helps flush out these toxins and stimulates bowel movement. This leaves you feeling refreshed and healthy throughout the day.
6 Boost Metabolism
This is especially important for those on strict diets. An increase in metabolism indicates an improvement in your digestive system.
7 Aid Healthy Weight Loss
Drinking water in the morning helps detoxify your body, improving your digestion and reducing hunger pangs. Interestingly, consuming 500ml of water 30 minutes before each meal for 12 weeks can help you lose up to 2kg.
8 Improve Skin Complexion
Just as hydration detoxifies your body, it also helps maintain bright, healthy, and glowing skin. Dehydration is a common cause of wrinkles, dark spots, and enlarged pores. By keeping your body well-hydrated at the start of the day, you promote continuous blood flow to the skin and facilitate the release of toxins.
9 Prevent Kidney Stones and Infections
Drinking water immediately after waking up boosts your body’s ability to fight infections and prevents kidney stones and bladder infections by diluting the acids that form these stones.
10 Promote Hair Growth
Not many people are aware of this, but drinking water in the morning can improve the condition of your hair. When your body is dehydrated, your hair becomes dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Water constitutes about ¼ of your hair’s composition, and adequate hydration is necessary to transport vitamins to your hair. Therefore, drinking water regularly helps improve and maintain the quality of your hair.
Some Tips for Drinking Water in the Morning:
– Room-temperature water is the perfect choice for everyone. Some people prefer to add a pinch of salt, lemon, or honey to their water, but this is optional.
– Avoid drinking water that is too hot or too cold. Instead, opt for water that is around body temperature.
– Don’t drink excessive amounts of water in the morning, as it can dilute stomach acids and impact the digestion of your breakfast. However, drinking too little may not adequately compensate for the body’s fluid deficit.
– For a healthy adult, it is recommended to drink about 200ml of water first thing in the morning. If you have kidney or urinary tract issues, consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Water is essential and offers numerous health benefits. We hope that after reading this article, you’ll adopt the habit of drinking a glass of water every morning when you wake up!