Drinking water upon waking is essential, as it helps flush out impurities accumulated in the digestive tract overnight. But should you drink cold boiled water or warm boiled water? This warrants careful consideration. Curious about the answer? Let's explore through some insights on proper hydration practices below!
Many wellness programs advocate drinking cold water in the morning. For years, a popular health belief has promoted drinking a large glass of cold boiled water upon waking, claiming five major benefits:
1. Replenish fluids
The body loses significant water during sleep. Drinking water in the morning replenishes fluids lost through metabolism.
2. Preventing constipation
Morning water stimulates gastrointestinal motility, moistens the intestines, softens stool, and promotes bowel movements.
4. Dilutes Blood
Morning water intake rapidly enters the bloodstream, increasing blood volume, diluting blood, reducing viscosity, promoting circulation, and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
While these benefits appear logical and appealing, they represent a one-sided perspective—focusing on isolated, superficial effects while overlooking the body's holistic balance. Though morning water intake may alter certain physiological indicators, its overall harm far outweighs these localized advantages.
Drinking cold water in the morning extinguishes nascent yang energy.Water, however, governs coldness and has a cooling nature, with chilled water being even colder. Consuming a glass of cold water at this time can trigger a clash between water and fire within the body. The nascent yang fire is injured by the water. Fire corresponds to the heart, blood vessels, and small intestine. When heart fire is persistently suppressed over time, it can lead to heart disease. Heart disease caused by this mechanism is irreversible.
So, should you drink water upon waking, and what kind? It's strongly advised against drinking cold boiled water in the morning. Opt instead for hot water or warm boiled water. For those with a cold constitution, slicing a few pieces of ginger and steeping them in hot water is recommended, as ginger aids the rise of yang energy. Adding a few goji berries to this mixture is an excellent choice.
Drinking cold water after exercise can "explode your lungs"
Similarly, avoid cold water after strenuous exercise or labor, as it harms the spleen, stomach, and lungs. Also, refrain from cold water or beverages before meals—many obesity cases stem from drinking cold drinks during meals.
Regarding drinking cold water after heavy sweating, the saying "it'll fry your lungs" originates from a story you may have heard: A traveler, exhausted and parched after a long journey, spotted a house ahead and approached to ask for water.An old woman brought him a bowl of well water. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he was about to drink when she suddenly sprinkled a handful of rice bran into the bowl and turned to go inside. Confused by her actions but desperate with thirst, he blew away the floating bran with his mouth and took a sip. He repeated this—blowing and sipping—until the water was gone.
When the old woman reappeared, he asked, "You gave me water to drink, so why make it difficult for me? Why not let me drink my fill?"
The old woman replied, "Because you've been trekking all this way, your body temperature is high. The well water is extremely cold. If you drink it all at once, it could easily cause your lungs to burst. By adding bran, I slowed your drinking pace, allowing the cold water to warm up inside you gradually. This prevents damage to your organs."Upon hearing this, the man finally understood. He respectfully kowtowed three times to the old woman, thanked her profusely, and departed.
This story reveals the profound wisdom of our ancestors and starkly contrasts with a serious issue today: much so-called health advice, while seemingly logical, actually harms your body.In summary, we should understand that the first drink in the morning should be lukewarm water. The Seven Benefits of Lukewarm Water Lukewarm water refers to freshly boiled water cooled naturally to 20°C–25°C (or cooled water mixed with fresh boiling water to achieve a comfortable temperature). Scientists in Russia, the United States, and Japan also call it "revitalizing water."Consistently drinking warm water year-round can yield unexpected health benefits. 1. The Secret to Stomach Health Start your day with a glass of warm water. Morning hydration promotes blood circulation and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases.For most people, plain boiled water is best in the morning—avoid adding salt (salted water exacerbates hyperosmotic dehydration, intensifying thirst. Moreover, morning marks the first peak of blood pressure, and salted water further elevates it). For those with constipation, honey water is a good alternative. Limit morning water intake on an empty stomach to no more than 150 milliliters.
2
Oral Hygiene
Warm water is clean and gentle, acting as a mild protective agent that doesn't irritate the mouth or throat. Rinsing with warm water provides a refreshing sensation and helps remove oral bacteria and food debris more effectively.
3
Protecting Gums
Medical research indicates that 35°C (95°F) is the optimal temperature for dental metabolism. Neglecting water temperature during brushing can cause gum bleeding and spasms, shortening tooth lifespan.
4
Enhances Absorption
Drinking warm water upon waking not only alleviates constipation and reduces the risk of cerebral thrombosis and myocardial infarction, but also aids in effectively absorbing breakfast nutrients. Therefore, remember to drink 1–2 cups (200–400 ml) of warm water after waking up.
5
Effective Hangover Relief