It’s well known that the health benefits of drinking plenty of water are endless. Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, confusion and difficulty concentrating. However, did you know that water should be your first beverage of choice in the morning? Drinking water before coffee could have significant health benefits that you’re probably missing out on.
The way that our bodies absorb water is essential for proper bodily function. Drinking a glass of water immediately upon waking up helps to regulate digestive functions and helps to rehydrate our systems from the long hours of fasting from the night before. Proper hydration also helps to reduce morning headaches and can improve circulation.
Coffee contains a high amount of caffeine, a well-known diuretic. This means that caffeine forces water out of our bodies, reducing the levels of hydration in the body. Drinking coffee without hydrating first can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Our kidneys rely on electrolytes to regulate our body temperature, balance water levels and maintain the balance of acids and bases. If our electrolyte levels are too high or too low, we can experience dizziness, confusion, headaches, and vomiting. It’s important to remember that our body cannot store water, so it needs to be replenished regularly.
Water is easy to access and can be consumed for free almost anywhere. Try to establish a routine for drinking water in the morning. This could be having a tall glass of water with fresh lemon slices upon waking up, or setting aside a portion of time each morning to drink a few glasses of water before having your coffee.
Another advantage of water over coffee is the effect that water has on weight loss. Water aids in digestion, metabolism and can help you feel fuller longer, reducing cravings throughout the day. Water also helps us absorb important vitamins and minerals, fight free radicals, regulates body temperature and boosts our energy levels.
The Mental Benefits of Drinking Water
Water can help boost our mental clarity and cognitive performance. Proper hydration helps our bodies perform cognitive tasks more efficiently, improving your problem-solving skills and enhancing your motor skills. Dehydration can lead to difficulty concentrating and difficulty multi-tasking.
Drinking water helps to regulate your glucose levels, which can improve your mood and reduce heightened states of stress. Studies have even shown that water can help reduce anxiety and increase overall energy levels. This can help reduce mental fatigue and clear up mental fog.
Water is essential for making sure all of our organs are functioning properly and helping to maintain a healthy balance of hormones in our bodies. It can also help keep inflammation down and enhance natural detoxification processes.
The Time Factor
Time is a precious commodity that no one ever seems to have enough of. A lot of people depend on coffee to give them that morning energy boost and keep them running throughout the day. Instead of relying on coffee for a burst of energy, try drinking water for a similar effect. As we discussed, water can help boost our energy levels, aiding us through the day without the crash that comes with drinking coffee.
Water also helps to improve our digestive processes and can reduce bloating, making us more productive and feeling more energetic throughout the day. Start your day off with a glass of water and reap the benefits of natural hydration. Drinking water in the morning can help to jump-start your metabolism and hydrate your cells, making sure they are ready to be energized.
Making Water a Part of Your Routine
The World Health Organization recommends that adults drink up to 3 liters of water per day, however this can vary for different people based on a variety of factors. Establishing a routine for drinking water can help you maintain daily hydration levels throughout the day. Having a water bottle on hand at all times can help to remind you to keep hydrated regularly. Track your water intake for various days and figure out what a healthy level for you is.
It’s important to keep in mind that coffee is not a replacement for water. Coffee should be consumed in moderation and combined with plenty of water throughout the day. Remember to drink water first thing in the morning and throughout the day, and your body will thank you.
Water as a Tool to Stay Mentally Healthy
Drinking water can provide a gentle and natural way to keep our mental health in check. It helps to reduce stress, boost our mood and helps us focus. It also helps to reduce cravings and keep us feeling full with the necessary nutrients needed by the brain. Numerous studies have been done to show the link between water and cognitive performance, so the more hydrated we are, the better we can perform task and stay focused.
Water also helps to flush out toxins from the body, helping to clear our minds and leave us feeling more relaxed. The added increase in energy levels ensures you can complete tasks with a better mood and performance. Dehydration has been linked to fatigue and increased stress levels, so drinking water in the morning can help to prevent us from feeling overwhelmed.
Benefit your Overall Health with Water
Drinking plenty of water each day helps to maintain your overall health. Water helps with weight control and aids in digestion. It also helps to regulate blood pressure, improve blood circulation and reduce any inflammation that may exist. Overall, drinking water can help keep your physical, mental and emotional health in check.
Combined with a balanced diet and exercise, drinking water can help us stay healthy and energized. There are many reasons why drinking water should be your first beverage of choice in the morning.
Don’t forget to grab a glass of water in the morning before you reach for the coffee pot, your health will thank you for it.
