Mr. Li, Yuquan Road, Haidian District, Beijing: Regarding water for health preservation, some advocate drinking a glass of light salt water in the morning and a glass of honey water at night.
However, I remember an article in "Health Times" titled "Is Drinking Salt Water in the Morning Really Good?" which stated that drinking light salt water in the morning is not recommended as it may lead to high blood pressure. Some suggest drinking a glass of honey water in the morning and a glass of cool boiled water before bed. Others propose the "Three Glasses of Water for Health Preservation a Day": a glass of honey water in the morning, a glass of light tea water after a lunch break, and a glass of plain boiled water before bed. So, which method is actually better?
Yu Kang, Deputy Director of the Nutrition Department, Peking Union Medical College Hospital: Drinking salt water in the morning is not recommended because 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 methods proposed by Mr. Li, based on the effects of water, honey, and salt, and the body's physiological needs, the "honey in the morning, water at night" method is better. There are two reasons for this:
① After a night's 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 morning can replenish fluids and add nutrition. For the elderly, it can also promote bowel movements. 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, excessive sodium levels in the body could lead to high blood pressure, nephritis, and other diseases. Only after heavy physical labor or strenuous exercise, when excessive sweating causes a loss of sodium and salt, is it necessary to drink some light salt water to replenish fluids and electrolytes.
② Drinking a glass of cool boiled water before bed is more beneficial for health preservation 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, throat-soothing, and cough-relieving effect, it more importantly prepares the body with sufficient water for a full night's metabolism. Only when the body has adequate water can the metabolic activities of tissues and cells function fully. Additionally, drinking a little light tea water after a lunch break is also worth advocating, as it can help break down the greasiness of lunch, refresh the mind, and provide energy for better work in the afternoon.