Drinking water is very important for many bodily
processes. These include transporting nutrients to
cells, regulating the body’s temperature, and
lubricating the joints.
If a person replaces their usual morning drink with water,
it could provide them with several associated health
benefits of increased water consumption.
This article explores what these benefits may be and how
much scientific evidence there is for each one.
1. For weight loss
Some people believe that drinking water in the morning can
aid in weight loss.
For example, a 2019
study found that
higher fluid intake had links with improved body composition
in young adults.
Before main meals, including breakfast
An older
study from 2010 found that
middle-aged and older adults lost more weight when they
drank 500 milliliters (ml) of water before each meal over 12
weeks.
Researchers partly attributed this weight loss to the
decrease in energy intake from meals among the participants
who drank water. This means they ate less food than
individuals who did not partake in water before meals.
Thermogenesis
Thermogenesis is the production of heat. When a person
drinks cold water, thermogenesis occurs to warm up the water
entering the body, which burns calories.
An older
study from 2013 involved the
water intake of 50 girls, with a body
mass index of 25 to 29.9, along with a nutritious diet.
It found that their body weight had decreased after they
increased their water intake to 500 ml, three times a day,
for 8 weeks. Participants drank the water before breakfast,
lunch, and dinner.
Researchers attributed the weight loss to water-induced
thermogenesis.
However, these studies cannot definitively claim that only
the water intake led to the weight loss.
Additionally, the results do not necessarily mean that
drinking water specifically in the morning offers weight
loss effects.
2. For mental performance
Water can have an impact on cognition and mental performance
— even minor dehydration can have adverse effects on
cognition, according to a 2016
study.
A 2019
review looked at the
effect of hydration on cognitive performance. It found that
there was a trend of improved mental performance in hydrated
study participants. However, the researchers noted that the
results were not statistically significant.
Additionally, participants in the study drank water
throughout the day. This may suggest that hydration
throughout the day may be necessary for better mental
performance rather than just drinking water in the morning.
Another 2019
study on male college
students found that dehydration had negative effects on
short-term memory and attention. Short-term memory and
attention improved once the participants rehydrated again.
Therefore, if a person wishes to increase their mental
performance, specifically in the morning, drinking water may
help.
3. Boosting mood
Drinking water may also have positive effects on a person’s
mood.
A 2014
study found that
people who usually drank low volumes of water had better
moods when they increased their water intake.
The same research found that when individuals — who normally
drank high volumes of water — decreased their water intake,
they experienced more thirst, decreased contentedness, and a
reduction in calmness and positive emotions.
A 2019
study also found that
dehydration negatively affected mood, while rehydration
improved mood and fatigue symptoms.
With this in mind, a person may wish to drink water
throughout the whole day to experience prolonged positive
effects on their mood.
4. For the skin
Some people believe that an increase in fluid intake can
improve the appearance and health of the skin.
The skin contains about 30% water, which
helps the skin remain plump, improving its elasticity and
resilience.
An older
study from 2015 found that
increased water intake may have a positive effect on skin
physiology — it appeared more hydrated, especially in
participants who usually drank less water.
A 2018
review found that
increasing water intake may improve the hydration of the
outer layer of the skin. However, the researchers noted that
it was unclear whether this would benefit older adults.
However, even adequate skin hydration may not be sufficient
to prevent wrinkles or offset the effects of the sun,
genetics, or the environment.
Drinking water throughout the day may therefore help a
person hydrate their skin, but they may not notice
significant changes in its appearance.
5. For other bodily functions
Adequate water intake is also important in many body
functions.
-
Kidneys: Drinking water can help the kidneys
remove wastewater from the body.
-
Urinary tract: According to an older
study from 2010,
increased fluid intake may prevent urolithiasis, which
occurs when stones are present in the urinary tract.
-
Cardiovascular system: A 2019
study found that
people require adequate water intake for proper
cardiovascular system function. The study noted that
dehydration and inadequate water intake negatively
affected blood pressure regulation and vascular
function.
-
Joints and bones: Water is a component of the
lubricating fluid around the joints, which could help
relieve joint pain.
Risks
Some potential risks of drinking water in the morning may
involve:
-
Drinking too much: If a person drinks too much
water, water
toxicity can occur.
This can have negative effects on brain function,
including confusion, nausea, and vomiting.
-
Only drinking in the morning: If a person’s
water intake only occurs in the morning, there may be a
risk that they are not meeting their optimal water
intake, which can lead to dehydration.
Dehydration can lead to low mood and reduced cognition.
-
Drinking flavored water: A person may also rely
too heavily on sugared drinks to meet their daily water
intake. For example, flavored water and sweetened
beverages contain more calories than plain water. A 2016
study found that
people who drank more plain water were more likely to
lose weight and consume fewer calories. However,
individuals could instead drink fruit or herb-infused
flavored water or sparkling water.