💧 You’ve heard it a thousand times — but does water on an empty stomach really do anything? From metabolism to detox myths, we break down what that morning glass of water actually does (and doesn’t) do 🧐 Full breakdown and expert insights — in the article below!👇
People who try to eat healthy have probably heard the popular advice to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. We suggest taking a closer look at the reasons behind this habit — and whether they actually make sense.
Water in the morning “starts” your metabolism
Some people believe that drinking water first thing in the morning kick-starts your metabolism. However, in reality, metabolism — the system that keeps your body functioning — doesn’t simply turn on and off. It’s always working, just at different speeds depending on the time of day and your activity. Drinking water, tea, or even coffee can slightly increase your metabolism, but it’s not a magical switch.
Cold water in the morning helps you lose weight
This idea comes from the fact that your body burns a small number of calories to heat cold water to its normal temperature of about 37°C. While that may sound helpful, it really doesn’t burn much. Warming a glass of cold water only uses about 10 calories — not exactly a big impact. And drinking cold water might irritate your throat, so it’s probably better to warm it up beforehand.
A glass of water before breakfast helps eat less
Some research shows that having water before meals might help you eat less. Many people confuse thirst with hunger, which can lead to overeating. Having a glass of water roughly half an hour before eating can help curb your appetite and make you feel more satisfied, which may lead to smaller portions. But this effect isn’t unique to morning water — it works at any time of day, which makes this argument less convincing when it’s just about mornings.
Drinking water in the morning is thought to help the body get rid of toxins
It’s true that water is important for the organs that clean out waste — like the liver, kidneys, and intestines. Still, water by itself isn’t enough to eliminate toxins from the body. It’s your organs — like the liver and kidneys — that handle that job, and they do it based on the amount of toxins in your body, not on how much or when you drink water. Water simply supports their function.
Having a glass of water in the morning — whether plain or with lemon and honey — can be a good habit if it helps you feel more refreshed or energized. But don’t expect too much from it. What’s more important is learning to pay attention to what your body really needs.
