Many of us are aware of the importance of staying hydrated, with water being one of the healthiest ways to do so.
Popular hot drinks such as tea and coffee can also help prevent dehydration and bring with them their own health benefits.
However, one expert has recommended a slightly unusual drink that could do the same.
Speaking to his more than two million followers on TikTok, Doctor Kunal Sood advised adding a glass of hot water to your daily diet.
Specifically, drinking it on an empty stomach will have the most benefits.
“There are three reasons why you should start drinking one water on an empty stomach,” he said.
These are to:
- Aid digestion
- Boost your metabolism
- Improve circulation and blood flow.
Digestion
“Number one will improve your digestion”, Dr Sood said. “The theory is warm water will help you dissolve food that you normally have a hard time digesting.
“There’s also research that warm water helps constipation.”
This research referenced by Dr Sood was published in the Gastroenterology Nursing journal in 2016.
It found that drinking water that was 37C in temperature had a “favourable impact on intestinal movements” and reduced flatulence.
Metabolism
Your metabolism is the process of changing foods into energy to fuel body functions.
The speed of your metabolism therefore has an effect on how easily you gain or lose weight.
“Warm water can temporarily boost your body’s metabolism,” Dr Sood said.
“This is because your body will work to bring the warm water to your body temperature.
“This light increase in metabolic rate can aid when you’re trying to burn calories.”
Circulation
He added: “Lastly, it will improve circulation and blood flow.
“This is because drinking warm water will dilate your blood vessels.”
However, he warned the water you drink should not be “too hot”.
“It is important to make sure the water is not too hot to avoid a potential burn,” Dr Sood said.
