Scientists Recommend Drinking Water Before Morning Coffee.. Surprising Benefits for the Brain and Stomach

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Scientists recommend drinking a glass of water immediately upon waking and before having morning coffee, as it has benefits that help compensate for the fluids lost during sleep and improve body functions, in addition to reducing some digestive issues associated with coffee acidity, according to a report published by Verywell Health.

Dr. Lisa Ganjoo, a gastroenterology specialist, explains that the body loses some of its fluids during sleep through breathing and sweating, making drinking water upon waking an effective way to restore hydration levels.

Experts confirm that dehydration, even if mild, can affect mental performance and concentration throughout the day. In this context, a study published in the journal Psychological Research in 2020 showed that refraining from drinking water for 12 hours could negatively impact decision-making ability and situational assessment.

Dr. Ethan Balk, an associate professor of clinical nutrition at New York University, believes that adding this habit to the morning routine is easy to implement and may provide tangible health benefits. He recommends consuming between 230 and 470 ml of water after waking, which is enough to start meeting the body's daily fluid needs.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that women consume about 11.5 cups of water daily, compared to 15.5 cups for men, including fluids from food and beverages.

The benefits of water are not limited to hydration alone; they extend to supporting digestive health. Ganjoo states that drinking water in the morning helps activate bowel movements and facilitates the passage of food through the digestive system, noting that warm water may stimulate morning bowel movements in some individuals.

Warm water can also contribute to relaxing the muscles of the digestive system and improving its efficiency. While some studies have indicated that consuming hot or warm water before meals may aid digestion, researchers emphasize the need for further studies to conclusively prove these benefits.

Another potential benefit is that drinking water before coffee may alleviate discomfort or acidity that some individuals experience after consuming caffeine, although this issue varies from person to person.

Dr. Balk points out that some people can drink coffee on an empty stomach without any problem, while others suffer from acid reflux or stomach discomfort. Therefore, trying to drink a cup of water first may be a simple way to see if it helps improve overall feelings in the morning.

He adds that consuming between one to three cups of coffee daily is considered normal for most people. As for those who feel tired or sluggish upon waking, they may benefit from starting with a cup of water before getting their usual dose of caffeine.