This simple morning habit triggers important processes in the body.
A glass of warm water in the morning is a simple habit that can have noticeable benefits for the body. It can subtly improve digestive function, help the body "wake up" after sleep, and maintain hydration. This is reported by the Verywell Health website.
When to Drink Warm Water
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the best times of day to consume warm water for digestion are:
- in the morning after waking up - to stimulate digestion and hydrate the body;
- during meals - to support digestion in the stomach.
In traditional Chinese medicine, warm water is believed to promote healthy digestion. It is also thought that warmth relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract, thereby improving digestion.
When to Drink According to Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an Indian healing system that originated thousands of years ago. It is still practiced by millions of people in Southeast Asia and around the world.
Balancing body temperature is an important part of Ayurveda, and drinking warm water is an integral part of it.
Water should be boiled beforehand and consumed warm. Specifically, the best times are:
- after waking up - to stimulate digestion and restore the body's water balance after sleep. Drink a full glass in small sips;
- throughout the day - in small sips every 30-60 minutes to prevent thirst and dehydration, as well as to maintain normal digestion;
- during meals - in small sips and no more than a quarter of the volume of the food you are eating;
- an hour before sleep - to aid in the digestion of food consumed during the day and prevent heaviness in the stomach before bed.
Benefits of Warm Water in the Morning
According to the journal Gastroenterology, drinking warm water in the morning can positively affect digestion, as it contributes to:
- preventing constipation;
- replenishing fluids lost during sleep;
- reducing bloating and discomfort.
Sometimes, drinking hot water in the morning can trigger bowel movements. The likely cause is the gastrocolic reflex - a natural response of the body to food intake, especially pronounced in the morning when the stomach is empty.
It is recommended to drink most of the water before 4 PM. This not only supports digestion but also helps reduce nighttime awakenings for bathroom trips.
