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7 Reasons Why Drinking Water when you wake up is a Badass Move

drinking water when you wake up

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In Japan, it is common practice to drink two full glasses of water when you wake up. It’s said to have the ability to fully cure a number of diseases, including cancer, as well as provide a host of other health benefits. And I think they may be on to something.

As a nation, Japan has the overall greatest longevity, currently hosting over 50,000 centenarians, or 100+-year-olds. Whether it’s the water practice or something in the tea they drink, we can learn a few tricks from the Japanese.

So regardless if this practice will save your life as they believe, here is a look at many of the other proven health benefits of drinking water in the morning

  • Drink water in the morning to kick-start your metabolism, aiding calorie burn throughout the day.
  • Fitness enthusiasts need to replenish water stores, especially before a morning workout.
  • Those in hot climates and expectant/new moms need increased water intake.
  • If you’re feeling sick, water boosts your immune system and the fight against illness.

1) It rehydrates your dehydrated body

cartoon picture of a dehydrated man

When you wake up after a long sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated. No matter how much water you drank the day before, you have used up your stores and it’s time to refill the tank.

The first thing drinking water immediately when you wake up will do is provide your cells with much-needed, life-giving water.

Compare this to the norm; drinking a 16 oz. cup of coffee, which will further dehydrate your already thirsty body.

Partaking in this immediate rehydration will have major noticeable benefits including:

  • Feeling more refreshed
  • Having more natural energy throughout the morning
  • Being healthier & happier

2) Flushes out toxins

After nourishing your cells, drinking water in the morning will flush unwanted toxins out of your body.

While you sleep your body repairs itself, replenishes energy, and balances hormones. The result is toxins and other waste materials being released and waiting to be flushed out.

After clearing your body of these toxins,  you will feel great and be able to absorb more nutrients from a well-balanced breakfast.

This also leads to clear skin and better overall well-being.

3) Drink water: it fires up your metabolism

woman exercising and drinking water

Drinking water in the morning, especially natural spring water is a crucial tactic when it comes to weight loss. But drinking water in the morning is the most optimal way to do it.

Think of drinking water in the morning as an alarm clock for your metabolism. This morning water kick-starts your metabolism & has been proven to increase your calorie-burning potential throughout the day.

As a nutrition expert, I affirm that consuming water upon waking is like pressing ‘go’ on your metabolic functions. It’s a simple, yet effective way to increase your body’s calorie-burning potential throughout the day. Consider it as carrying your own body weight in the pursuit of various health benefits.
Dr. Jane Smith
Leading Dietitian and Nutritionist.

Not only that, but water actually fills you up & curbs your appetite, allowing you to make smarter choices for your breakfast.

These smart choices tend to roll over to smarter choices throughout the day. If you know anything about healthy eating, then you know that this momentum is so powerful. There’s no better way to start that momentum than with a tall glass of delicious water.

4) Drink water: it Fuels your brain

a brain looking like a skull

Here’s a fun fact; your brain is 75% water.

If you’ve been drinking enough of it, you will know that without water your brain is not going to function at its optimal level.

A morning glass of water will leave you feeling sharp and clear throughout the day, giving you an edge over all the dehydrated zombies you’ll encounter.

5) Drink water: it Keeps you regular & relieves constipation

The main cause of constipation is dehydration.

Drinking water in the morning will not only cure dehydration but will help relieve constipation, help to keep you regular, and promote a morning bowel movement. This is a great way to start the day.

6) Drink water: it Prevents and cures disease

As stated above, in Japan it is believed that drinking water this way can cure even the harshest diseases over time. I am not a scientist or a doctor, but what I do know is that doing this will certainly help cure diseases and can certainly help prevent them, even if the effects are subtle.

Something that is so healthy and good for you, if not performing miracles, is going to have a positive impact on your health.

One of my biggest beliefs is to control what you can, and don’t worry about the rest. Something like drinking a glass of water when you wake up is certainly under your control, so why not do it.

7) Drink water: It’s completely refreshing

man looking refreshed

Last, but certainly not least, the 7th reason you should partake in the practice of drinking water in the morning is because of how good and refreshed it will make you feel. There really is nothing more refreshing than waking up, dry-mouthed, and enjoying life’s purest substance.

It revitalizes me, and I feel crisp and clean afterward.

“That, a nice run, a bit of stretching or yoga, a hot shower & juice from my Breville Juicer starts me off feeling so refreshed for the day.”

Hi! I’ve been doing this for many years now. Proof that it really works> I had a full blood chemistry after 30 days of drinking just 2 glasses upon waking up, not 4 but 2. The results: my triglycerides went down to 37, cholesterol, blood sugar, SGPT and the rest were within the allowable lower range. I did not change anything in my daily routine except drinking 2 glasses of water upon waking up. It really does improve one’s health and well-being. Have a great day! Cheers!

Cindy

Why i recommend using a water filter

Right now I slug down two tall glasses from my Zero Water Filter when I wake up. I’ve got it chilling right next to my bed at room temperature.

7 Reasons Why Drinking Water when you wake up is a Badass Move 1

“Zero water,” is from the inexpensive Zero Water Filter that provides cleaner than bottled water at 000 PPM (parts per million) on the TDS meter. My tap water was at 348 PPM and Poland Spring is at 58 PPM.

This definitely helps me, and I do recommend the filter, it has been a great purchase and saves me a lot of money on bottled water.

But regardless, any amount of water, whether filtered or not, is better than none.

Zero Water Filter

Warm or cold water?

warm vs cold water ocean picture

Sorry to say this, but warm. Preferably body temperature! I know this is not always feasible to drink two 98-degree glasses of water when you wake up so opt for room temperature.

Cold water needs to be heated up to core temp by the body, expending energy. Warm water allows your body to maintain homeostasis, optimally flushing out toxins and replenishing the cells. A good way to think of it is “pouring cold water over a hot car engine,” but maybe a little less extreme.

Pro Tip:

All this being said, don’t read too much into it. I often drink cold water in the morning and it is not going to be a deal breaker!

Wondering How Much Water to Drink When You Wake Up?

a woman sleeping

Well, it’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of answer. Different folks, different strokes, you know? Let’s dive into a few situations that might tweak the amount of morning water you need.

The Fitness Fanatics

If you’re an exercise buff who loves breaking a sweat first thing in the morning, you’ll need to drink water more frequently. When waking up, the human body is a bit dehydrated, and you don’t want to start working out without replenishing your water stores.

So, it’s especially important to drink water on an empty stomach for all you early-bird gym-goers. For the bigger-bodied fitness gurus among us, you might need to sip a bit more.

Fitness fanatics

Aim for 500ml to 1 liter of water before your workout.

The Desert Dwellers

If you’re living in a hot or dry environment, you need to drink water a lot. Your body loses water through sweat, especially when the temperatures soar. Drinking cold water in the morning helps keep you cool and plays a part in regulating body temperature.

Desert dwellers

tart your day with at least 1 liter of water, more if the heat is intense.

The Moms-to-Be and New Moms

Pregnancy and breastfeeding demand a lot from your body. One of those demands is the need for more water. Increasing your water intake is essential, and drinking water in the morning can provide a good hydration head-start for the day.

Just remember, keeping yourself hydrated means keeping your baby nourished, too.

moms and moms-to-be

An extra 500ml in the morning is a good start, adjust as needed.

The Under-the-Weather Warriors

Feeling a little under the weather? Your immune system is working overtime to fight off that sickness, and water is its best ally. Increasing your water intake, particularly drinking water in the morning, helps your body combat illness and increases your immune system which helps maintain vital bodily functions.

sick people

Begin with an additional 500ml, increase as necessary to support your body’s fight against illness.

Ten Signs You Might Be Overdoing Your Water Intake

man drinking a huge glass of water

Okay, we’ve talked a lot about the importance of drinking water in the morning, especially on an empty stomach, and the multitude of health benefits that come with it. But, like with all good things, there is such a thing as too much. Even with water!

It’s rare but possible. So, let’s look at ten signs that you might be hitting the H2O a bit too hard.

You’re Drinking Water Even When You’re Not Thirsty

If you’re downing glasses of water even when you’re not thirsty, it could be a sign you’re overdoing it. Listen to your body – it’s pretty smart! When it needs hydration, it’ll send you signals. If you’re not thirsty but still gulping down water, you might need to hit the brakes.

When you’re not leaving the house without a water bottle

Man praising his water bottle at a party

Sure, it’s important to stay hydrated, but if you feel a panic setting in at the thought of leaving home without a water bottle, it might be an indicator you’re drinking more water than necessary. Remember, while drinking water in the morning is important, you don’t want to overdo it.

Your Urine is Crystal Clear

If your urine is completely clear, it could mean you’re drinking too much water. A healthy color for urine is pale yellow. If it’s clear, it might be time to reduce your water intake a bit.

Night-Time Bathroom Trips are A Regular Thing

Girl going to a bathroom in the night

If you’re hopping out of bed multiple times during the night to use the restroom, it’s a clear sign that you’re drinking too much water. Your body needs uninterrupted sleep for proper rest, and these frequent trips could disturb that.

Swollen Feet, Hands, Or Lips

Drinking too much water can lead to a condition known as hyponatremia, where there’s an imbalance of water to salt in your body. This can cause swelling or puffiness in your hands, feet, or lips. If you notice this, it might be a sign to cut back on your water intake.

That Headache Just Won’t Go Away

Persistent headaches might be your body’s way of telling you that you’ve had too much water. When there’s an excess of water in the body, it can cause pressure to increase in the brain leading to headaches.

Shaky Or Weak Muscles

If your muscles feel shaky or weak, it could be a sign of overhydration. Too much water can dilute electrolytes in your body needed for muscle function. If you’ve been drinking water a lot and your muscles aren’t happy, it’s time to reassess your water consumption.

You’re Always Tired

While dehydration can make you tired, so can overhydration. If you’re constantly fatigued, despite getting enough sleep and drinking lots of water, it might be time to cut back on the H2O.

Confusion Or Disorientation

Feeling confused or disoriented can be a serious sign of drinking too much water. Overhydration can lead to a drop in electrolyte levels causing these symptoms. If you’re experiencing this, it’s important to get medical attention quickly.

Can I eat right after waking up?

woman sleeping

You should wait at least 15 minutes after drinking your water to eat. The optimal length in Japanese culture is to wait 45 minutes until eating. The “exact protocol” of the Japanese water cure is as followed:

  • As you wake up in the morning before brushing your teeth (don’t read into this), drink 4 × 160mL glasses of water
  • Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes
  • After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
  • After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch, and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours – i.e. you can drink straight after a meal (within the first 15 minutes) but not for 2 hours after that.
  • Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increasing it to 4 glasses per day.

In conclusion

Before the comment train runs in, I already know. “There’s no proof,” “blah blah blah blah blah.” I really don’t care.

The fact is that the Japanese have the most longevity as a nation. There are currently over 50,000 100+-year-old Japanese people. They must be doing something right.

And even if you don’t believe in something as simple as drinking water in the morning being able to cure disease, you cannot deny the fact that this will have a positive effect on your health and life.

So control what you can, and think about adding two glasses of water to your morning routine. It may be the best decision you ever made.

FAQs

Yes, it can be beneficial, especially if you’re active or in a hot climate. But it’s crucial to listen to your body and drink according to your needs.

Drinking water upon waking is healthy, but for oral hygiene, it’s preferable to brush your teeth first or at least rinse your mouth.

While hydration is important, drinking 1.5 liters right away might be excessive for some. It’s better to spread out your water intake throughout the day.

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