6 Benefits of Drinking Water Before Coffee
With all of the health information available online, it can be hard to know which tips are actually useful and which are just a waste of time. For instance, does drinking water before coffee actually have any benefits, or is that all just a load of garbage?
This is one health tip that actually has some science behind it. Read on for everything you need to know about the benefits of drinking water before coffee, as well as some tips to help you stay hydrated.
Do You Need To Hydrate in the Morning?
Think about it — when you wake up, your body has just spent several hours without any water. Natural processes like breathing and sweating cause fluid loss overnight, leaving you slightly dehydrated before you even roll out of bed. This can cause symptoms like fatigue, foggy thinking, and a slower metabolism, all of which could impact your morning routine.
Drinking water first thing in the morning jump-starts your entire body. It replenishes your body's fluid levels, wakes up your cells, and primes your organs for action. Hydration also plays a key role in delivering oxygen to your brain, meaning you’ll feel sharper and more alert.
6 Benefits of Drinking Water Before Coffee
It’s important to drink water in the morning, but should you drink it before your first cup of coffee? Read on for six reasons you might want to reach for your water before your joe.
1. Boosts Metabolism
Starting your day with a glass of water can ignite your metabolism. Drinking water has been shown to temporarily increase metabolic rate, which means your body starts burning calories more efficiently.
This metabolic boost helps kickstart your energy production and supports the digestion of your first meal. Cold water can even amplify the effect, as your body uses extra energy to warm it to body temperature.
2. Supports Brain Function
Your brain is about 75% water, so even the smallest amount of dehydration can affect your focus, memory, and alertness. Drinking water before coffee is one way to make sure your brain is properly hydrated.
Studies have even linked hydration to improved mood and reduced feelings of anxiety, which can help you enjoy your coffee even more later on in the day. It can also help you feel more focused and think more clearly. Skipping water and heading straight for coffee, however, may make you feel more tired and foggy.
3. Improves Digestion
Water wakes up your digestive system, especially after a long night’s rest. Drinking water first thing in the morning primes your stomach and intestines, keeping your digestion moving smoothly.
It also helps our bodies break down food and absorb nutrients throughout the day. If coffee is a bull horn that startles your digestive system awake, water is like a gentle sunrise. If you want fewer tummy troubles, start with water before diving into your espresso.
4. Prevents Dehydration
While coffee is beloved for its energy-boosting properties, it’s also a mild diuretic, which means it can make you dehydrated if you drink too much of it. Drinking water beforehand can help prevent this.
Proper hydration regulates your blood pressure, maintains energy levels, and keeps your skin looking fresh and glowing (#wokeuplikethis). A simple glass of water before your coffee ensures your hydration is balanced, letting you enjoy your caffeine without some of the unwelcome side effects.
5. Protects Your Teeth
Have you ever noticed how coffee tends to stain teeth over time? Drinking water before coffee can actually help with this. Thanks to added fluoride, water creates a protective barrier over your enamel, which can keep the pesky tannins in coffee from sticking to your teeth.
It also rinses away bacteria and leftover food particles from the night before, which can react with acidic coffee and erode your enamel. Plus, starting with water helps maintain the natural pH balance of your mouth, promoting overall oral health.
6. Regulates Cortisol Levels
When you wake up, your body naturally produces cortisol. This hormone helps regulate your energy and stress levels.
Drinking coffee immediately after waking up can cause your cortisol levels to spike even further, which can then cause jitteriness or increased anxiety. By drinking water first, you can give your body time to stabilize its hormone levels before introducing caffeine.
This can help you feel even more energetic and alert when you do have your coffee. Hydrating before caffeine also prevents that “crash” feeling later in the morning, helping you feel calm, focused, and ready to tackle the day.
Tips To Stay Hydrated
If you’re trying to make morning water a habit, you’ll find out pretty quickly that drinking water isn’t as easy as you’d think. Sometimes it can be hard to remember your morning water, and it can also be hard to stay motivated to drink enough throughout the day.
Luckily, we have some tips that can help you overcome these hurdles. These include the following:
- Make It Flavorful: Add a slice of lemon for a natural boost of vitamin C, or toss in a pinch of sea salt for a hint of electrolytes.
- Make Things Easy: Keep things convenient by placing a full glass of water on your nightstand before bed — no excuses!
- Set a Reminder: You can also set a daily reminder on your phone until drinking water first becomes second nature.
- Shake Things Up: Try herbal teas or naturally flavored waters to keep things interesting. You could also opt for a cup of our Mushroom Coffee+! This functional coffee contains extra ingredients to help support the metabolism, brain function, and digestion. You can enjoy your coffee and get the extra benefits at the same time — it’s a win-win!
The Bottom Line
After looking at all of the science, it’s clear that drinking water before coffee might just be the move. Tossing back a warm cup of water before you start your day can boost your metabolism, improve digestion, and even regulate your morning cortisol levels.
When it comes to busy routines, each minute counts — everything you do should be intentional and help set you up for success. That’s why our experts analyze current health trends to help you figure out what to try and what to toss. For more health tips, visit the Everyday Dose blog today!
Sources:
Caffeine: Is it dehydrating or not? | Mayo Clinic
How Drinking More Water Protects Your Teeth | Canyon Dental
Cortisol on Circadian Rhythm and Its Effect on Cardiovascular System | PMC
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