Drinking salt water in the morning is not recommended, as it may lead to high blood pressure. In the morning, one can drink cool boiled water, or for the elderly, a glass of honey water is also acceptable. Therefore, regarding the three suggestions proposed by Mr. Li, based on the effects of water, honey, and salt, and the body's physiological needs, "honey in the morning and water at night" is the better choice. There are two reasons for this:
① After a night of sleep, most of the body's water has been excreted or absorbed. At this time, drinking a glass of honey water on an empty stomach in the early morning can not only replenish fluids but also
add nutrition. For the elderly, it can also promote bowel movements.
However, drinking light salt water in the morning is not conducive to health. Under normal circumstances, the body does not generally lack sodium. If one drinks a glass of light salt water every morning, over time, the body's sodium content can become too high, potentially leading to diseases such as high blood pressure and nephritis. It is only necessary to drink some light salt water after heavy physical labor or intense exercise, when excessive sweating leads to a loss of sodium, in order to replenish fluids and electrolytes.
② Drinking a glass of cool boiled water before bed is more beneficial for health and wellness than drinking honey water. Although honey is not pure sucrose, it is still a type of sugar, so it is not advisable to drink it every night before bed. Drinking a glass of cool boiled water at night is necessary because some people do not drink enough water during the day. Besides replenishing some fluids and providing a refreshing effect for the throat and helping to relieve coughs, drinking water at night more importantly prepares the body with sufficient water for its metabolism throughout the night. Only when the body has adequate water can the metabolic activities of tissues and cells be fully carried out. Additionally, drinking a little light tea water after a noon nap is also worth recommending, as it can relieve the greasiness from lunch and refresh the mind, allowing for better energy and work in the afternoon.