Many of us have a standard morning routine. This might involve certain exercises, stretches, eating breakfast or watching a bit of TV. Hot drinks such as tea or coffee are also a common way to get going after we wake up.
But one expert has recommended a less common type of drink first thing in the morning, due to its multiple health benefits.
According to Doctor Kunal Sood, consuming warm water could be the perfect way to start your day.
Speaking on social media platform TikTok, he explained three benefits to drinking warm water before you do anything else.
He said: “There are three reasons you should start drinking more water on an empty stomach.”
Dr Sood told his more than two million followers that drinking warm water can:
- Improve digestion
- Help you lose weight
- Improve blood flow and circulation.
“Number one, it will improve your digestion,” he said.
“The theory is warm water will help you dissolve foods that you normally have a hard time digesting. There’s also research that warm water can help constipation.”
He referenced a scientific study, published in Gastroenterology Nursing journal in 2016.
This research found that drinking water with a temperature of 37C had a “favourable impact on intestinal movements”.
Dr Sood then explained how warm water could aid weight loss efforts.
“Warm water can temporarily boost your body’s metabolism,” he said.
“This is because your body will work to bring the warm water in your body temperature, this slight increase in metabolic rate in aid when you’re trying to burn calories.”
He added: “And lastly, it will improve circulation and blood flow.
“This is because drinking warm water will dilate your blood vessels.”
However, he concluded with the warning: “It is important to note and make sure the water is not too hot to avoid a potential burn.”
