"In the morning, when you have just woken up from a dream, what is your first action? Do you immediately rush to the kitchen, pour a large glass of water, and drink it deeply? In our daily lives, 'drinking water in the morning on an empty stomach' has become almost a recognized healthy habit. But, have you ever wondered if doing this is really good for our body? Or maybe it hurts even more than skipping breakfast?
The relationship between water and human metabolism
After waking up in the morning, the human body will naturally experience slight dehydration after a night of metabolism. Replenishing water at this time can help activate metabolism in the body and promote blood circulation.
Drinking water on an empty stomach helps to cleanse the stomach and intestines in preparation for the day's digestive work.
The right way to drink water
Drinking water should be avoided in large quantities and quickly. Moderate and gradual to give the body time to adapt and reduce the impact on the gastrointestinal tract.
Room temperature or lukewarm water is ideal. Water that is too cold or too hot can irritate the stomach and intestines and cause discomfort.
How much should I drink?
Everyone's specific needs are different, but the general recommendation is between 200-300 ml. Drinking too much water can be a burden on the kidneys.
It needs to be adjusted according to factors such as personal fitness, activity level, and ambient temperature.
Precautions in special cases
People with heart disease or elevated blood pressure in the systemic arteries should be more cautious about drinking water in the morning.
Patients with dybetic metabolism need to monitor for changes in blood glucoseAdjust the amount and frequency of water intake appropriately.
Combine diet and lifestyle habits
Drinking water in the morning is not a panacea, it should be combined with a balanced breakfast and a healthy lifestyle.
Make it a habit to drink water regularly and avoid thinking about hydration when hunger and thirst appearThis helps to maintain the body's water balance.
When it comes to the question of whether or not to drink on an empty stomach in the morning, we must first understand the importance of breakfast in our three meals a day. Breakfast provides about 25% of the energy needed for the day, helping to kick-start the metabolism. However, many people skip breakfast for a variety of reasons, choosing to drink a lot of water on an empty stomach. This practice, while seemingly harmless, can actually have adverse effects on the body.
First of all, the acidic environment in the stomach is stronger on an empty stomach. Drinking too much water may dilute gastric juice and interfere with the normal secretion of gastric acid, which can interfere with digestion. Especially for middle-aged and elderly people, this can lead to indigestion or stomach upset.
Secondly, the morning is the time when blood pressure naturally rises. Drinking large amounts of water on an empty stomach may cause a volume surge, placing additional burden on the heart and vascular system, especially in patients with pre-existing systemic arterial blood pressure (hypertension).
Then, for people with abnormal glucose metabolism (diabetes), breakfast is especially critical for blood sugar control. Skipping breakfast and drinking plenty of water can cause blood sugar fluctuations, which is not conducive to disease management.
However, moderate morning drinking still has its positive effects. It can help activate internal organs, promote the excretion of metabolic wastes, and also help alleviate the mild dehydration that forms at night. The key is to know the right amount of water to drink and timing.
Therefore, it is advisable to drink a certain amount of warm water in small sips after waking up in the morning, and then eat breakfast after a suitable time. This ensures the body's water needs without putting undue stress on the stomach and the circulatory system as a whole. At the same time, it also helps to provide a steady stream of energy for the day ahead**.
Amount control: After getting up in the morning, it is recommended to drink about 200-300 ml of water. This amount is enough to wake up your digestive system without taxing your stomach on an empty stomach.
Water temperature selection: Warm water is ideal. Water that is too cold or too hot can irritate the stomach lining and cause discomfort. Warm water is more easily absorbed by the body and can gently stimulate intestinal peristalsis.
Drinking rhythm: Don't rush to drink it all in one sitting. Drink slowly to give your body time to adjust and absorb the water. Doing so helps reduce the burden on the kidneys and boosts metabolism.
Incorporate light activity: After drinking water, engaging in simple physical activities, such as stretching or light walking, can help distribute water better to all parts of the body while improving blood circulation.
Electrolyte supplementation: For some people who need additional electrolyte supplementation, such as older adults or people with chronic diseasesConsider adding a small amount of natural electrolytes, such as lemon slices or a pinch of sea salt, to your water to maintain your body's electrolyte balance.
Adapting to individual differences: Everyone's physical condition is different, so the amount and type of water intake should be appropriately adjusted according to the individual's health status. For example, people with abnormal glucose metabolism or high blood pressure in the systemic arteries may need to adjust how much and how they drink water as prescribed.
Avoid conflicts with medications: If you need to take your medication in the morning, make sure to leave an appropriate time gap between drinking water and taking your medicationAvoid possible drug-water interactions.