Is There A Best Time Of Day To Drink Water?

It goes without saying that water is absolutely crucial to our survival. Every single cell in our body needs water. So if you’re not drinking 8 glasses a day (2 liters), now would be a very good time to start. 

While not drinking enough water can have some serious side effects, it’s not just the amount of water you’re consuming that’s important, but the time of day you’re drinking it. 

First, let’s take a look at the benefits of drinking 2 liters a day of water…

• Helps create saliva
• Regulates body temperature 
• Improves circulation
• Helps reduce sugar cravings
• Helps heart function and reduce heart disease
• Helps lubricate joints and tissues
• Detoxes kidneys by filtering out waste through urination 
• Helps prevent constipation
• Aids digestion
• Helps nutrient absorption
• Aids weight loss
• Helps maximize performance skills
• Helps prevent illnesses such as kidney stones, hypertension, and digestion related problems
• Boosts energy
• Improves cognitive function
• Improves memory and mood
• Helps skin stay youthful and radiant

To be honest, we feel like we could go on forever listing the amazing benefits water has for our health, but as we said earlier, it’s not just how much you drink that’s crucial to your health, but what time you drink. And drinking at these times can maximize the benefits of water significantly.

So what are the best times of day to drink water?

First thing in the morning

After about 8 hours of not drinking water while you sleep, your body is in desperate need of some hydration when you wake up. It’s also great for flushing away toxins and cleans the intestines. So instead of reaching bleary-eyed for the coffee, fill yourself up 1 – 2 glasses of water first.

Please note: Remember to scrape your tongue before your drink water to get rid of all the toxins accumulated after a night’s sleep. You don’t want to be swallowing those!

One hour before a meal

Water can play a huge role in weight management as it can help you feel more full and prevent overeating. A small 2008 study found that drinking water before a meal helped men and women eat less and feel more satisfied after eating, compared to the group who did not drink water before a meal.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, it is recommended to drink a big glass of water no less than 30 minutes before you eat. Otherwise, you will flood or ‘put out’ what is known as your ‘digestive fire’ – the stomach acids and enzymes that break down your food. Drinking near the time that your digestive fire is just about to kick into gear interferes with the proper breakdown of food and hinders nutrient absorption.

45 minutes after eating

Again, if you drink too close to mealtimes, you will flood the stomach’s digestive juices, which results in all kinds of digestive issues. The great thing about drinking 45 minutes after mealtimes is that it also helps to curb that sweet tooth. 

Water is especially good to drink after eating fiber-rich foods. Fiber moves through your digestive system and absorbs water, which helps bowel regularity. 

At the first hint of a headache

Dyhrdatrion is one of the most common causes of headaches. So before you decide to pop another pill to ease the pain, drink a full glass of water and let your headache subside naturally. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience suggests that increasing water intake can decrease migraine severity, frequency, and duration. 

Check your urine

Your body is always letting you know whether you are drinking too much or too little water. Yes, you really can drink too much water!

A healthy colored urine is a light straw color. If your urine is too yellow, it means that you are dehydrated and need to drink a lot more. If your urine is colorless, then you are drinking too much water and diluting the helpful salts, electrolytes, and nutrients in the body. 

If you’re hungry, drink a pint of water first 

Did you know that dehydration actually feels like hunger? When you’re not drinking enough water, your body receives mixed signals and thinks it’s hunger. The feeling of dehydration causes you to believe that you need food, but what you actually need is water. 

So we recommend not waiting until you’re thirsty before you grab a drink. Be mindful of the amount you’re consuming and make a mental note to have a glass of water every hour. Staying hydrated throughout the day helps curb cravings, keeps you alert, and aids your digestion. 

Water and oral health

Water is the ultimate mouth cleaner! Every time you sip water you are washing away leftover food and residue that cavity-causing bacteria are searching for as a source of their food. Water also dilutes the harmful acids produced by the bacteria that want to destroy your tooth enamel. 

For optimal oral health, brush with our all-natural tooth and gum powder twice a day, followed by a once over with floss, and keep sipping water throughout the day at the times we mentioned. Your teeth, gums, and the rest of your body will surely thank you!