I. Is it right or wrong to drink water on an empty stomach in the morning?
Recently, a claim has been circulating online and on WeChat: "Drinking cold water on an empty stomach in the morning for a long time can make the body feel tired, cause chest tightness and shortness of breath, lead to memory loss, and may even cause some fertility problems. The explanation is that the body needs 'yang' energy in the morning to circulate 'qi' and blood. Drinking cold water on an empty stomach can suppress this 'yang' energy, damaging one's constitution. Even drinking warm water is not recommended."
In fact, this claim is not entirely accurate. Water is crucial for the circulation of 'qi' and blood, and drinking it in appropriate amounts and at the right time will not affect this circulation. As for the claim that "drinking cold water on an empty stomach suppresses 'yang' and damages the constitution," there is some truth to it. This is because morning is when 'yang' energy begins to rise. Drinking water on an empty stomach at this time can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and prevent constipation. However, drinking cold water can create an adverse stimulus to the 'yang' energy of the internal organs, which is detrimental to health over time. It is recommended to drink warm water in the morning—water that has been boiled and cooled naturally to 30°C-35°C, which is generally not hot to the touch and does not irritate the stomach. Compared to cold water, warm water is closer to body temperature and is easily absorbed by the body. It should be noted that drinking too much water on an empty stomach in the morning is not advisable; a single glass is sufficient for a health benefit, otherwise it will加重 the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and hinder food digestion.
II. How should you drink your first glass of water in the morning?
1. Plain water is the least burdensome water.
I personally still recommend drinking plain water. Some people advocate drinking a glass of light salt water in the morning, but I don't think it's very meaningful. Modern people already consume too much sodium. Drinking light salt water when the body does not lack salt will only increase the intake of unnecessary salt. Research shows that the calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in plain water are very helpful in preventing cardiovascular diseases and are more suitable for middle-aged and elderly people. Others advocate drinking a glass of honey water in the morning, believing it helps relieve constipation. The fructose in honey has a certain lubricating effect on the bowels for people with constipation. However, for most people, plain water is sufficient. Plain water contains no protein, carbohydrates, or fats, making it the least burdensome water. Drinking a glass of plain water in the morning replenishes the body's cells with water, reduces blood viscosity, and promotes urination. Furthermore, plain water has no calories and can be absorbed by the body without digestion, rapidly diluting the blood, promoting blood circulation, and helping one to wake up more quickly.
2. The temperature should vary from person to person.
For morning water intake, drinking water at room temperature is best. In cold weather, you can drink warm water to minimize stimulation to the gastrointestinal tract. Some studies have shown that when the water temperature is around 25°C, the affinity between water molecules and human cells is optimal, and the cells' water absorption capacity is the strongest. Therefore, drinking a glass of warm plain water in the morning is the best choice. For young people and those in good physical condition, drinking cold water is also easily acceptable. However, for the elderly, the weak, those who are sensitive to cold, or those with a cold stomach, a glass of warm water in the morning is an excellent choice. In short, you should choose a water temperature that suits your individual physical condition.
3. 150-200 milliliters is appropriate.
For most people, drinking 150-200 milliliters of water in the morning is a suitable amount. It should be noted that patients with high blood pressure and abnormal kidney function should pay special attention to their water intake. High blood pressure patients already have high blood volume, and the morning is one of the peak times for blood pressure during the day. If they drink too much water at this time, it will increase blood volume and make blood pressure even higher. For kidney patients, excessive water intake will increase the pressure on the glomeruli.
4. Timing for drinking water: After brushing your teeth and before breakfast.
The water you drink in the morning must be on an empty stomach, that is, after brushing your teeth and before breakfast. Drinking water before brushing your teeth can easily wash bacteria from your mouth into your body, which is not good for your health. Drinking water after a meal does not provide the benefits of promoting blood circulation and flushing the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, it is best to sip the water slowly. Drinking water too quickly is very detrimental to the body and may cause a drop in blood pressure and cerebral edema, leading to headaches, nausea, and vomiting.