When to Drink Water for Maximum Health Benefits
Our bodies are made up of 70 to 75% water making it vital for us to hydrate regularly. Dehydration can cause various health problems such as migraines and kidney stones. One of the ways to avoid the effects of dehydration is to ensure morning hydration. It has multiple benefits, such as enhancing metabolism. You should also take at least 650 ml of water before and after an exercise. It ensures you remain hydrated. However, the timing for drinking water matters too. Below is an evaluation of the best time to drink water:
1. Before exercise
Water and electrolytes are lost through sweat during workouts. Therefore, drinking water before you exercise ensures you do not suffer dehydration. Losing fluids during training might affect your physical performance and cause electrolyte disequilibrium. Therefore, drinking water before hitting the gym or going for a run aids in replenishing necessary fluids in the body. In addition, it reduces recovery periods and optimizes your performance during workout sessions.
2. Post-workout
It is essential to supplement your workout routine to remain effective and consistent as much as possible. One of the ways to improve your exercise routine is to drink water after working out. It helps to regulate your body temperature. In addition, it helps to replenish the fluid lost due to sweating. Furthermore, water acts as a catalyst in the shedding of calories. Similarly, it reduces recovery time for more workouts. Therefore, always ensure post-workout water intake to improve your hydration.
3. Throughout the day
As you go about your daily endeavors, your body regulates water levels. As a result, excess water is discharged from your body through the skin as sweat, and via the digestive system and kidneys in the form of urine. However, these excretions are limited to only a certain amount of water at a time. Therefore, drinking water at intervals during the day is recommended rather than taking excessive amounts once. To ensure healthy hydration, carry a water bottle with you so you can drink water consistently throughout the day.
4. First thing in the morning
Starting your day with a glass of water is the best way to set the pace for the day. Some experts argue that drinking a glass of water immediately after waking up builds healthy hydration and boosts the chances of consuming more fluids during the day. Hydrating in the morning has various health benefits. For instance, it helps improve your brain functioning and mood in your daily activities. Dehydration can have both short and long-run effects. For example, it might lower your concentration levels and trigger anxiety and fatigue.
5. Before Each meal
Some experts suggest taking a cup of water just before eating a meal, especially if you are attempting to lose weight. In addition, hydrating prior to eating creates a feeling of fullness and reduces food intake. According to a scientific study on older adults, drinking 300 to 500 ml of water before any meal lowered appetite and reduced consumption of calories by as much as 13%.
If you’re having trouble drinking water due to a busy schedule, consider setting reminders on your phone. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and if you like find ways to flavor your water to make it tastier.