Kickstart Your Day: Why Drinking Water First Matters

Expert advice on how proper morning hydration fuels your health.

Starting your day with water is a simple habit with profound effects. Prioritizing hydration first thing can boost energy, aid digestion, and sharpen focus, setting a positive tone for all activities.

The Benefits of a Morning Drink

According to registered dietitian Janelle Bober, drinking water immediately upon waking helps counteract overnight dehydration. This practice can counter potential issues like muscle cramps, headaches, and dryness.

Bober notes that hydration isn’t only essential for cognitive function. It significantly influences our digestive system. Drinking water in the morning supports stomach function by activating the gastrointestinal tract.

“When we add in water in the mornings, it activates our [gastrointestinal tract],”

—Janelle Bober, Dietitian

This helps to keep food moving through our digestive system. This is key to avoiding both constipation and diarrhea.

Morning Hydration Tips

This advice is primarily about plain water. The benefits of other drinks may not be the same. While some beverages offer hydration, they might not provide the same advantages as water, like pickle juice.

There is much debate about water temperature. Bober believes the temperature is not essential for hydration. Instead, the focus should be on consistency and choosing a temperature you enjoy.

“In all honesty, water is water. If you can include any type of water, please do it,”

—Janelle Bober, Dietitian

She suggests consuming between one to two cups of water in the morning. This will rehydrate and support metabolism. Studies show drinking enough water improves mood and reduces fatigue. (CDC 2024)

By making water a morning staple, you can support your body and mind throughout the day.