Staying hydrated is important. When it comes to time of day and form of hydration, you probably have your preferences. You might enjoy coffee or soda, but as far is your health is concerned, no beverage beats a refreshing glass of plain old water. While drinking water at any time is beneficial to your health, consuming a big glass first thing in the morning brings unique rewards.
Water Benefits
Water is a nutrient essential for life. Your body depends on water for every chemical reaction that takes place. In fact, you are made up mainly of water, as much as 75 percent by weight, according to Clemson University. Water is inexpensive (or free), widely available and naturally low in sodium and caffeine-free, making it preferable as a primary source of meeting your hydration needs.
Convenience
Life can get so busy that we can simply forget to stop and drink, even when thirsty. And drinking with meals might not be the best time, as it can dilute digestive juices and upset your stomach, according to Don Colbert, M.D., and author of “Eat This and Live.” This is why drinking water first thing in the morning is so ideal. Your stomach is empty, so water won’t hinder digestion, and if you keep a glass by your bed, it is easy and convenient to reach for it while still in bed.
Water Can Help Reduce Stomach Acidity
You might be one of the millions of Americans who experience heartburn, a condition commonly due to high levels of acid in the stomach, according to “The Family Medicine Handbook.” Your stomach is the primary source of hydrochloric acid in your body, secreting it all night long. Without the benefit of food to dilute the acid, heartburn is more likely in the morning hours. Drinking water shortly after you awaken can reduce the level of acidity in your stomach and help relieve the symptoms of heartburn.
Water Helps Keep You Regular
Water helps prevent constipation, and drinking it in the morning might help stimulate bowel movements. Your body depends on rhythmic contractions that occur in your colon to help move food along. These contractions depend on what is known as a gastrocolic reflex, according to the textbook “Physiology.” Simply, when you fill your stomach with food or drink, your body, sensing a new arrival, sends signals to your intestines to evacuate, increasing the likelihood of a bowel movement. To achieve this, water is a good choice, as it is refreshing and calorie-free.
www.livestrong.com
No comments:
Post a Comment