How to Drink Your First Glass of Water Each Day?
Healthy bodies must maintain water balance. One should drink 7–8 glasses of water daily. “The day begins with morning,” making the first glass of water especially important. Perhaps you’ve already developed the habit of drinking a glass of water upon waking, but have you considered how exactly to do it?
1. What to drink?
Fresh boiled water is the best choice. Boiled water is naturally purified water boiled after multi-stage filtration, killing microorganisms through high heat. Calcium and magnesium in boiled water are beneficial to health. Studies suggest that hard water rich in calcium and magnesium may help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Many people believe drinking diluted salt water benefits health, so they drink it upon waking. However, this belief is incorrect. Research indicates that during overnight sleep, although no water is consumed, respiration, sweating, and urination continue, leading to significant fluid loss. Drinking plain boiled water in the morning quickly dilutes the blood and corrects nighttime hyperosmotic dehydration. Conversely, drinking salt water worsens hyperosmotic dehydration, increasing thirst. Moreover, morning is the first peak of blood pressure; drinking salt water raises blood pressure further.
It’s best not to drink fruit juice, soda, carbonated drinks, coffee, or milk upon waking. Carbonated beverages like soda usually contain citric acid, which accelerates calcium excretion during metabolism, lowering blood calcium levels. Long-term consumption may lead to calcium deficiency. Other drinks have diuretic effects—drinking them in the morning fails to effectively rehydrate the body and instead increases the body’s need for water, potentially causing dehydration.
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2. What temperature is ideal?
Some people prefer drinking ice-cold water straight from the fridge, believing it’s most refreshing. However, this is inappropriate in the morning because the stomach and intestines are empty. Extremely cold or hot water can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort.
Drinking warm boiled water at room temperature is optimal in the morning. In colder weather, warm boiled water is preferable to minimize irritation to the digestive system. Research shows that boiled water cooled to 20–25°C has unique biological activity—it easily passes through cell membranes, promotes metabolism, and enhances immune function. Those who habitually drink warm or cool boiled water have higher deoxyenzyme activity, better metabolic status, reduced lactic acid accumulation in muscle tissue, and less fatigue. Always cover boiled water when leaving it overnight, as prolonged exposure to air diminishes its biological activity.
3. How much to drink?
An average healthy person should drink at least 7–8 glasses (about 2.5 liters) of water daily. Increase intake during heavy exercise or hot weather. The morning hours are crucial for replenishing fluids. Drinking 300 ml of water upon waking is ideal.
4. How to drink?
Drink water on an empty stomach—before breakfast—to achieve effects like promoting blood circulation and cleansing the intestines. Sip slowly, as drinking too quickly can harm the body, possibly causing low blood pressure and cerebral edema, leading to headache, nausea, and vomiting.