When is the Best and Worst Time to Drink Water?
According to SHAHEDNEWS, We all know how difficult it is to get ourselves to the gym and work on our physical health; how challenging it is to follow a diet plan and change eating habits. However, we can start with something small and simple: drinking water. The only thing you need to do is drink water at the right time, in the right amount, and consistently, based on what you will read in the next section of this health guide.
The Best Times to Drink Water
Drinking water throughout the day and when thirsty is normal. But did you know that certain times for drinking water significantly contribute to your body's health? Are you familiar with the best times to drink water, regardless of whether you're thirsty or not? Another issue is whether drinking water during meals is appropriate. Does this practice harm the body's health?
In the Morning When You Wake Up
Imagine starting your car on a freezing winter day without warming it up. The car might not start, and you could damage its entire system. The same applies to the body's system. If you wake up after several hours of sleep and immediately eat breakfast without drinking water, it disrupts the overall functioning of your body. Therefore, the best time to drink water is first thing in the morning, right after waking up. Drinking a glass of water upon waking ensures that your circulatory system has enough fluid to eliminate free radicals that have accumulated during the night through the body's metabolic processes, allowing the body to function correctly.
Before Eating
In addition to drinking water on an empty stomach, having a glass of water before each meal helps improve the body's metabolism. Drinking water prepares the stomach for eating and digestion. When you drink water, the stomach is moistened, reducing discomfort if acidic foods are part of your meal. Another benefit of drinking a glass of water before eating is that it cleanses the palate of the flavors from previous foods and drinks.
When You Feel Hungry
When you feel hungry between meals, it’s better to drink a large glass of cool, fresh water before eating. Sometimes the body is dehydrated, and the individual feels hungry when, in reality, they are more thirsty than hungry. Therefore, the best time to drink water is when you feel hungry. This way, you regulate your calorie intake and avoid weight gain and imbalance caused by eating at inappropriate times.
Before Exercising
The best time to drink water is before starting exercise. Depending on the weather, humidity, and your body's metabolism level, you may need one or two glasses of water before and after exercise. Staying hydrated in both cold and warm weather is essential because the body's circulation requires sufficient water for optimal performance in both temperatures.
After Exercising
Another optimal time to drink water is after intense exercise. During these times, you may need to drink a substantial amount of water to replace the fluids lost through sweating and urination. The amount of water you need depends on your weight, health, and whether you have exercised in hot or humid conditions, especially for extended periods.
When You Are Sick
A motherly piece of advice: When you're sick, make sure to drink enough water to recover faster. Drinking 8 glasses of water daily still feels like a goal many people strive to achieve. However, during illness, fluids like tea, juice, and soup also help in improving your condition.
When You Are Tired
If you feel tired and sleepy but don't have the opportunity to rest or sleep, be sure to drink one or two glasses of water. In fact, one of the reasons for fatigue is thirst and dehydration. The best thing to do before an important meeting or when you need to complete a crucial task in a short time is to drink a glass of water to stay alert.
When should you not drink water?
After Brushing Your Teeth
Do not brush your teeth before drinking water. You should drink 160 milliliters of water before brushing your teeth, so the water you drink will not be contaminated. (Toothpaste contains fluoride.) Avoid eating or drinking anything for 45 to 50 minutes after brushing your teeth.
Before Sleeping
To compensate for water loss, it is recommended to drink a glass of water one hour before sleeping. However, drinking water just before bed or in the middle of the night is not advised, as it can lead to increased urination during the night.
After Breakfast
Do not drink water for 2 hours after breakfast. Eat your breakfast gradually and avoid consuming anything, especially water, for about 2 hours after breakfast.
After Eating Certain Fruits
It is not recommended to drink water immediately after eating certain fruits. Drinking water half an hour before and one hour after eating fruit is fine. In response to which fruits you should avoid drinking water after, it is advised to avoid water after consuming watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, orange, strawberry, and banana, as drinking water after these fruits can severely disrupt digestion in the stomach. Additionally, drinking water after eating apricots is also harmful. These fruits contain a large amount of fructose (sugar) and yeast, and drinking water right after consuming them creates an environment where yeast can grow, leading to the production of carbon dioxide, which causes bloating, stomach gas, and abdominal pain.
Immediately After a Meal
Drinking water immediately after a meal reduces stomach heat and causes indigestion. Drinking water after eating dilutes gastric juices and interferes with digestion. It disrupts the absorption of nutrients after digestion, raises insulin levels, and causes early hunger, leading to overeating. The best time to drink water is one hour after a meal.