3 unexpected reasons you should drink water before brushing your teeth
Why it is good to drink water before breakfast (photo: Freepik)
It turns out that a simple glass of water before brushing your teeth in the morning can have unexpected benefits for your health. Drinking water on an empty stomach helps the body "wake up," activates metabolism, and even protects tooth enamel from damage, reports OnlyMyHealth.
Boosts metabolism
A glass of water after waking up can boost your metabolism by up to 30%. Hydration wakes up the body, which:
- Speeds up digestion
- Improves calorie burning
- Helps control weight
- Drinking water (especially cold) can temporarily increase metabolism by 24-30% for about 30-60 minutes after consumption.
This is because the body expends energy heating the water to body temperature and activates the internal organs.
Protects the oral microbiome
Saliva that accumulates overnight contains enzymes and beneficial bacteria that protect teeth and gums.
Water helps wash away night-time toxins and bacteria. During sleep, saliva is produced in small amounts, allowing bacteria to multiply. The first sip of water in the morning helps:
- Wash away some of these bacteria from the mucous membranes
- Hydrate the mouth
- Activate the digestive system
However, it’s important to understand that brushing your teeth is still necessary, as it physically removes plaque, which drinking water does not.
Prepares the digestive system
Drinking water in the morning stimulates the digestive system. A glass of water (especially warm) helps kickstart metabolism, which is important for effective digestion.
Specifically, water washes away remnants of stomach acid, mucus, and toxins accumulated overnight, preparing the stomach lining for food intake.
Warm water also stimulates the contraction of intestinal walls, which promotes smooth and natural bowel movements.
During the night, the body loses water through breathing and perspiration. A glass of water restores hydration, which is critical for normal digestion. Imagine the intestines waking up with a gentle push, rather than from the shock of coffee or food.
How much water to drink in the morning before breakfast
The optimal amount of water to drink in the morning before breakfast is 200-500 ml (1-2 glasses). This depends on individual body needs and lifestyle.
General recommendations are:
- 1 glass (200-250 ml) is the minimum to start hydration
- 2 glasses (400-500 ml) are often recommended for kicking off metabolism and cleansing
- Drink slowly, not in one go. This allows better absorption and doesn't overload the stomach.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
