Drinking water upon waking is a habit many are familiar with and practice.
This first glass of water acts like a "bath" for your digestive system.
Some choose warm water, others opt for lightly salted water, honey water, or lemon water...
But are you really drinking the right first glass of water in the morning?
Light Salt Water—Wrong Choice
Light salt water is chosen by many, especially women (men often find it too troublesome to prepare...), as their first drink of the morning, primarily believing it relieves constipation and aids detoxification.
In reality, constipation is unlikely to be resolved by drinking light salt water alone; it requires proper dietary adjustments. As for detoxification, that claim is even less credible.
The problem with salt water lies in modern diets already being somewhat high in sodium. Consuming salt water when the body isn't deficient in sodium leads to excessive sodium intake.Drinking a glass of salt water in the morning could consume one-fifth of that daily limit.
Furthermore, salt water may exacerbate hypertonic dehydration, intensifying thirst. Additionally, mornings mark the first peak of elevated blood pressure, and consuming salt water can further raise it.
Therefore, individuals with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, or kidney dysfunction should especially avoid making salt water their first drink upon waking.
Honey Water — Not Recommended
Honey contains high levels of fructose. Consuming it as your first drink in the morning can elevate blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, the fructose in honey must be metabolized into glucose before it can be absorbed and utilized by the body. This negates the cleansing effect of the first morning drink in flushing out bodily waste, and the nutrients in honey cannot be effectively absorbed either.
While drinking honey water in the morning does offer benefits, it is not suitable as your first beverage upon waking.
Lemon Water — Barely Acceptable
Lemon water typically involves adding lemon slices to plain water, providing vitamin C and citric acid.
On the positive side, citric acid effectively stimulates gastric acid secretion, boosts appetite, and does not hinder cellular water absorption.
However, long-term consumption of lemon water can lead to calcium loss and excessive gastric acid secretion. Therefore, individuals with stomach discomfort or gastrointestinal ulcers should avoid lemon water.
Plain Water—The Optimal Choice
Here, plain water refers to freshly boiled water.
The most ideal choice is water boiled and then naturally cooled to 20–25°C (68–77°F). It possesses unique biological activity, easily permeates cell membranes, promotes metabolism, and enhances the body's immune function.
Additionally, never reboil previously boiled water for consumption, nor drink water that has been left standing for too long.
The first glass of water in the morning also requires careful attention. It is best consumed after brushing your teeth and before breakfast, in a quantity of 200 milliliters, sipped slowly in small mouthfuls.