Many people start their day by drinking water, but some types of water and other beverages can harm your health and should be avoided. You risk clogging your blood vessels if you don’t change these bad habits. So what should you avoid drinking first thing in the morning, and what are the healthiest options?
What to avoid drinking in the morning
- Saltwater: Physiological studies suggest that although we don’t drink water during sleep, we lose significantly through breathing, sweating, and urination. Upon waking, our blood is in a concentrated state. Drinking plain boiled water can quickly dilute the blood. Morning is the first peak of blood pressure increase, and having salt water can raise blood pressure even further, posing health risks.
- Stale boiled water: Boiled water left standing can have its nitrogenous organic compounds break down into nitrites. Especially if stored for too long, it can become contaminated with bacteria.
- Commercial beverages: It’s best to refrain from drinking commercially available juices, colas, sodas, coffee, or milk first thing in the morning. Carbonated beverages like soda and cola contain citric acid, which can accelerate calcium excretion during metabolism, reducing calcium levels in the blood. Long-term consumption can lead to calcium deficiency. Other commercial beverages may promote urination, exacerbating dehydration rather than replenishing the body’s water needs.
- Tap water: Some people drink tap water immediately after waking up. This is not advisable. Overnight, tap water in the pipes remains stagnant, reacting with metal pipes and faucets to form metal-contaminated water. Microorganisms in the water can also multiply, potentially harming human health and possibly harboring Legionella, a bacterium that can cause acute respiratory infections.
- Overnight tea: Reports indicate that tea left to sit for too long can allow amino acids and sugars to become nutrients for bacteria and mold. Additionally, the antioxidants and vitamins in tea can oxidize, reducing its nutritional and health benefits. Therefore, it’s not advisable to drink tea brewed the night before.
- Fruit juice: Drinking fruit juice first thing in the morning does not provide the water your body needs and can burden your digestive system with high sugar levels. Taking juice on an empty stomach can increase acidity in the gastrointestinal tract, irritating the stomach lining and causing discomfort such as stomach pain or bloating. Acidic components in juice can directly contact the stomach wall, potentially causing discomfort. Cold juice, in particular, can irritate the stomach and intestines, affecting digestion and absorption.
- Carbonated drinks: Carbonated beverages have many adverse effects, as they fail to provide the necessary hydration in the morning, accelerate calcium excretion, provide excess sugar, and increase the body’s demand for water. They also have a diuretic effect, worsening dehydration when the body lacks water.
The benefits of a first glass of water in the morning
- Replenishing losses: During sleep, the body loses water through urine, skin, and breathing. After waking up, the body is dehydrated, and drinking water can replenish the water lost during metabolism.
- Prevent constipation: Drinking water promptly after waking up can stimulate gastrointestinal motility and prevent constipation.
- Regulate the digestive system: After a night’s metabolism, the stomach and intestines are empty in the morning. Drinking water can dilute stomach acid, keeping the digestive system in better condition.
Plain boiled water is best
Research shows that minerals like calcium and magnesium in plain boiled water can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, making it suitable for middle-aged and elderly people. Some also advocate drinking a glass of honey water in the morning to relieve constipation. Having plain boiled water in the morning replenishes cellular water, reduces blood viscosity, and promotes urination. It contains no calories and is easily absorbed by the body, quickly diluting the blood, promoting circulation, and helping you wake up faster.
150-200 milliliters is ideal
For most people, 150-200 milliliters of water in the morning is appropriate. However, individuals with high blood pressure or kidney dysfunction should pay special attention to their water intake.
Drink water after brushing your teeth and before breakfast
Morning water should be consumed on an empty stomach after brushing your teeth and before breakfast. Drinking water before brushing can wash oral bacteria into the body, which is unhealthy. Drinking after breakfast doesn’t promote blood circulation or cleanse the digestive system. Additionally, drinking water in small sips is best, as taking it too quickly can be harmful and may lower blood pressure.
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