Should you drink warm water in the morning (or ever?)

By now, everyone has heard of the various benefits of drinking a glass of warm water in the morning. Since the dawn of the WhatsApp group message, loads of home remedies for anything from heartburn, weight loss, flu symptoms, and even as extreme as avoiding cancer, have some element of drinking warm, usually boiled water in it.

But is there truth to the new craze? Are there health benefits? Or is the miraculous effect of warm water on the body just another old-wives tale?

There is scientific evidence.

It turns out there are legitimate, science-based benefits to adding some warm water to your morning or nightly routine.

We already know that just drinking water, in general, has excellent effects on the body.

Staying adequately hydrated can support skin, muscle, and joint health, says Healthline. Water also helps the body’s cells absorb nutrients and fight infections- and let’s not forget gut health and digestion. Warm water might offer even more benefits.

Drinking warm water regularly keeps your bowel movements regular by softening the stool and lubricating the bowels. It also helps to break down food much faster than cold water can. Warm water reduces the risk of constipation by supporting regular bowel movements, says Medical News Today.

Warm water in the morning

Warm water dilates (or widens) the blood vessels in your gut. Of course, this helps with digestion. This boost is most notable when you consume hot water at the beginning of the day, says MD Linx. If you drink warm water after a meal, it emulsifies fats, which also aids digestion. If you drink it before bed, the water may increase satiety (and make you feel full). This will stop you from unnecessary snacking. 

Weightloss

Experts suggest that drinking warm water in the morning prepares your gut for the rest of the day. How does this contribute to weight loss? Well, it clears out the intestines, which prevents bloating, gets rid of excess water weight via contraction of the bowels (and allows you to start the day on a clean slate – be sure to be near to a toilet, though. 

Warm and even hot water can help detoxify the body. If the water is hot enough to raise the body’s temperature, You will start sweating. Sweating expels toxins and can help clean the pores.

Also, water that increases core body temperature causes the body to expend energy to lower its temperature back to normal. This energy expenditure promotes metabolism.

Warm water can calm you down!

To be fair, dehydration in general negatively affects your nervous system functioning. If you do not get enough H20 in the system, it will affect mood and brain function.

Research has shown that drinking water can improve central nervous system activity, as well as mood.

This research showed that drinking water boosted participants’ brain activity during demanding activities and reduced their self-reported anxiety.

Clean out your nasal passages

With a slice of fresh lemon and fresh ginger, some hot water is a well-known home remedy for nasal congestion. The heat loosens any stubborn mucous from the nasal passages and makes it easier to blow your nose out after.

Also, the lemon and ginger have natural antibiotic properties, as nasal congestion is usually paired with infection or inflammation. Some people also add garlic for the allicin and turmeric for its health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.

Relieving achalasia symptoms

What is achalasia? It is a condition in which the muscles of the lower part of the oesophagus fail to relax, preventing food from passing into the stomach. 

Hot water can help ease the effects of this condition. There’s limited evidence to suggest that warm water helps ease achalasia symptoms, explains Greatist. Coldwater can increase these contractions. Food also exacerbates the condition, making achalasia worse.

Studies show that the intake of warm foods and water included can assist in the relaxation of the lower part of the oesophagus.

In another study, taking small sips of hot water improved symptoms in patients. 

Another study showed that 88% of patients found relief from chest pain after drinking warm water. The cold water aggravated symptoms in patients with achalasia.

Any warning?

You must check the temperature of the water before consumption. If the water is too hot, you can get serious injuries in your mouth and digestive tract. You can also burn your lips and face and can cause accidents. Don’t burn your taste buds or your tongue! Test a small sip before taking a gulp, or use a clean fingertip to check. 

If you dislike the taste of warm water (like many people do), you can add loads of flavourings like lemon, ginger, honey, or maybe make some tea instead (and benefit from all the extra tannins and anti-oxidants! 

Always get medical advice.

Before making any dietary decisions, please always speak to a medical professional. 

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