A Morning Glass of Water: Health Elixir or Health Hazard? Three Types of Water to Avoid on an Empty Stomach the Damage Can Be Worse Than Skipping Breakfast!

A Morning Glass of Water: Health Elixir or Health Hazard? Three Types of Water to Avoid on an Empty Stomach the Damage Can Be Worse Than Skipping Breakfast!45-year-old Wu Auntie has always prioritized health. Years ago, she heard that drinking water on an empty stomach in the morning helps with detoxification and beauty, so she developed a habit of drinking a large glass of water every morning

A Morning Glass of Water: Health Elixir or Health Hazard? Three Types of Water to Avoid on an Empty Stomach the Damage Can Be Worse Than Skipping Breakfast!

• 45-year-old Wu Auntie has always prioritized health. Years ago, she heard that drinking water on an empty stomach in the morning helps with detoxification and beauty, so she developed a habit of drinking a large glass of water every morning. However, she didn't delve into the scientific basis of this habit, nor did she consider whether the type and method of water consumption were suitable for her. Recently, Wu Auntie has been experiencing occasional stomach aches, nausea, and heartburn. Initially, she attributed it to work stress and irregular eating habits and didn't pay much attention. One morning, after drinking a large glass of lemon water, she experienced severe stomach pain, unable to even straighten up. Her family rushed her to the hospital. "Excessive gastric acid secretion, coupled with drinking acidic water on an empty stomach, how can her stomach handle that?" the doctor sighed while examining her. Wu Auntie asked in confusion, "Isn't drinking water in the morning supposed to detoxify?" The doctor nodded solemnly, "The premise of detoxifying with water is to drink the right water. Drinking three types of water on an empty stomach in the morning is even more harmful than skipping breakfast! Let me tell you, these three types of water should be avoided!" Wu Auntie suddenly realized: There's so much more to drinking water on an empty stomach than she thought. What kind of water should she drink to stay healthy?

Benefits of Drinking Water on an Empty Stomach

After a night's sleep, the body loses water, and blood viscosity increases. Drinking an adequate amount of water replenishes this lost fluid, effectively lowering blood viscosity and reducing the burden on the cardiovascular system, particularly important for older adults. Morning water intake quickly stimulates gastrointestinal motility, promoting the excretion of metabolic waste and helping the liver and kidneys to perform their metabolic processes more effectively. Furthermore, sufficient water intake improves thermoregulation, accelerates metabolism, and boosts energy levels. Water also moistens the gastric mucosa, stimulating gastric juice secretion, preparing the digestive system for the day's activities and improving digestion, particularly beneficial for those with constipation.

1. Replenishing Overnight Water Loss: During sleep, the body loses significant water through respiration and perspiration. 6-8 hours without water intake lowers body water content, leading to increased blood viscosity and increased strain on the cardiovascular system. This is especially true for older adults, where slower morning blood circulation and increased blood viscosity further increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, drinking water on an empty stomach in the morning is an effective way to replenish overnight water loss and promote blood circulation. Drinking an appropriate amount of water quickly restores fluid balance, providing adequate hydration for more efficient cellular metabolism. Replenishing fluids also improves blood fluidity, reducing the probability of thrombosis and other cardiovascular diseases, laying a foundation for all-day health.

2. Boosting Metabolism: Water is a key medium for metabolic activity. Drinking water on an empty stomach in the morning quickly stimulates gastrointestinal motility, activating bowel emptying and contraction, helping to eliminate accumulated metabolic waste. Especially during sleep, the body performs a significant amount of detoxification and metabolic work through the liver and kidneys. Morning hydration helps these organs perform their subsequent metabolic processes more efficiently. Furthermore, sufficient water intake improves thermoregulation, helping the body quickly recover from the slowed metabolism of the night and regain morning vitality. For sedentary individuals or those lacking exercise, morning water intake indirectly increases energy expenditure, making metabolism smoother.

3. Improving Digestive Function: Drinking water on an empty stomach in the morning is a natural way to start the digestive system. Water entering the stomach moistens the gastric mucosa, stimulating gastric juice secretion, preparing the digestive system for the day. Gastric juice secretion helps break down food, improving gastrointestinal efficiency and making nutrient absorption easier. For those struggling with constipation, the benefits are particularly noticeable. Water intake promotes bowel movements, softens stools, and makes bowel movements smoother. Adequate hydration not only relieves constipation but also prevents intestinal problems and improves overall digestive health. This simple act of drinking water on an empty stomach helps restore physiological balance and improves multiple key health indicators. Although seemingly simple, this healthy habit is an effective way to activate bodily functions and boost vitality.

3 Types of Water to Avoid

While drinking water on an empty stomach is widely considered beneficial, it requires scientific guidance. Incorrectly choosing the type of water or drinking method not only fails to achieve the desired health benefits but can also cause serious harm, potentially even more damaging than skipping breakfast! In particular, lemon water, salt water, and excessively hot water, often misused, can directly harm the body when consumed on an empty stomach.

1. Dangers of Lemon Water on an Empty Stomach: Rich in Vitamin C, lemon water's acidity is believed to aid in "detoxification and beauty" and "boost immunity," leading to its widespread consumption on an empty stomach. However, its strong acidity makes it unsuitable for consumption on an empty stomach. Citric acid stimulates gastric acid secretion, especially when the stomach lacks food to neutralize the acidity, directly damaging the gastric mucosa. Long-term consumption of lemon water on an empty stomach can lead to gastritis, gastric ulcers, and even burning sensations and heartburn. The acidity not only damages the gastric mucosa but can also erode teeth. The acidic substance directly contacting tooth enamel increases tooth sensitivity and can cause long-term enamel damage. Individuals with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts, excessive gastric acid secretion, or existing stomach inflammation will have their symptoms aggravated. Diabetics or those managing blood sugar may experience increased metabolic burden due to added sugars.

2. Dangers of Salt Water on an Empty Stomach: Salt water is mistakenly believed to have "cleansing and detoxifying" effects, with some believing that drinking it on an empty stomach aids in bowel movements and cleanses the intestines. However, this lacks scientific evidence. In fact, drinking salt water on an empty stomach can impose multiple burdens. The high sodium content rapidly increases blood sodium concentration, directly affecting blood pressure. For those with hypertension, this can lead to a sharp rise in blood pressure and trigger cardiovascular events. Excessive salt water intake disrupts electrolyte balance, causing dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Excess sodium causes cellular dehydration, increasing dehydration risk. Drinking salt water on an empty stomach increases the kidneys' burden, potentially harming renal function in the long term. For those with chronic kidney disease, it can worsen their condition.

3. Dangers of Excessively Hot Water on an Empty Stomach: Many people enjoy hot water in the morning, believing it "warms the stomach" and "promotes blood circulation." However, water exceeding 65 (149F) causes physical damage to esophageal and gastric tissues. Excessive heat damages the mucosal tissue, causing local inflammation. Repeated ingestion of overly hot drinks can lead to abnormal tissue hyperplasia and increased cancer risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed "drinking very hot beverages" as a potential carcinogen. The stomach is sensitive to extreme temperatures; hot water stimulates the stomach wall muscles, causing spasms and affecting digestion. It can also negatively affect the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.

Common Misconceptions about Drinking Water on an Empty Stomach

Several misconceptions contribute to health problems: Pursuing the short-term effects of "special functional" waters: Many choose lemon water, salt water, or other additive drinks due to misleading claims of "cleansing and detoxification," ignoring potential long-term health risks. Ignoring water temperature and drinking methods: The gastrointestinal tract is still "waking up" in the morning; extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold) are irritating. The correct temperature should be close to body temperature (30-40). Drinking too much or too little: The amount of water should be appropriate. Excessive water intake may dilute gastric juice, affecting digestion, while too little fails to replenish fluids adequately. 200-300ml of lukewarm water is suitable.

The Correct Way to Drink Water on an Empty Stomach

To truly reap the benefits, consider these suggestions: Choose lukewarm or plain water: Plain water is the safest and most suitable for an empty stomach. Lukewarm water doesn't irritate the gastrointestinal tract and is easily absorbed. Avoid the three types of water mentioned above. Drink the appropriate amount: 200-300ml of lukewarm water is sufficient. Listen to your body: If you experience any discomfort, stop drinking and consult a doctor.