After a night’s sleep of six to eight hours, the human body naturally becomes dehydrated. Opinions vary on the best way to start the day — whether it is with a cup of tea, a brisk walk, some fruit or an early breakfast.
But according to experts, the simplest and most beneficial habit is to drink water first thing in the morning, even before brushing your teeth.
“Drinking a litre of water immediately after waking up can be highly beneficial. It can do wonders for your health,” said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant of internal medicine at Gleneagles Hospital Parel in Mumbai.
Dr Agarwal explained that giving the body water first thing in the morning helps ‘wake up’ the organs, flush out accumulated toxins and prepare the body to function more effectively throughout the day. One of the most significant benefits, she said, is improved digestion.
“Water helps the stomach and intestines work more smoothly. It prevents constipation and bloating. Many people who begin their day with water find that their digestion improves and they feel lighter for the rest of the day. Visible improvements can be seen in the skin as well. It will feel fresher, smoother and better hydrated,” she said.
According to Dr Agarwal, flushing toxins from the system early can help reduce pimples and dryness, giving the skin a healthier glow.
Hydration in the early hours also helps boost energy levels. “When your body is hydrated, your brain functions better, you feel more alert and your mood improves. Drinking water in the morning may also help boost calorie burning and support weight management, especially when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise,” she added.
Dr Agarwal advised that anyone wanting a simple, natural way to feel fresher, more active and healthier should consider drinking a litre of water every morning.
However, she warned that people with heart, liver or kidney conditions should exercise caution and seek medical advice before consuming such large amounts of water at once.
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