Why is drinking a glass of water when you wake up so important?

 It is common knowledge for all of us  – about the importance of staying hydrated, drinking 8 glasses or water a day – or depending on which wellness guru you follow – possibly more or possibly less –  but one thing that doesn’t change – no matter who you speak to – water first thing in the morning – before you drink or eat anything else – can set the tone for your entire day.

Why should you drink a glass of filtered water as soon as you get up? Just as is. Without adding collagen powders, electrolytes, flavouring or greens or other supplements to your first glass.

While greens powders have their place (not collagen powders – they just don’t work – they are an expensive marketing ploy) there are compelling reasons why plain filtered water is the best option when you first wake up.

Why Drinking Water First Thing in the Morning is Essential

1. Rehydrates Your Body

After eight or more hours of sleep (if you are sleeping less than 7 your skin and other organs cannot function at their optimal best- speeds up ageing, lowers your brain function and weakens your immune system) your body is naturally dehydrated. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, your body needs water to function at its optimal best. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning replenishes lost fluids and kick-starts hydration for the day.

2. Aids in Digestion and Activates Detoxification

Water helps flush out toxins that have accumulated overnight and activates the liver and kidneys to start their natural detox processes. Hydration also stimulates the digestive system, helping to prepare it for the day ahead so everything you consume gets used effectively.

3. Boosts Metabolism

Studies suggest that drinking water can temporarily boost your metabolism by increasing thermogenesis, which helps your body burn more calories. This can be particularly helpful if you’re trying to maintain a healthy weight.

4. Supports Brain Function and Energy Levels

Mild dehydration can lead to brain fog, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Since your body has gone all night without fluids, a morning glass of water helps restore hydration balance, improving cognitive function and alertness.

5. Prepares the Stomach for Nutrient Absorption

Drinking water before eating or consuming supplements prepares the stomach for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients throughout the day. It creates the ideal environment for effective digestion. Therefore I recommend consume your greens or collagen powders AFTER your glass or water.

Why You Shouldn’t Add Collagen or Other Supplements to Your First Glass of Water

Collagen, greens powders, electrolytes, flavours and other supplements have become increasingly popular as morning additions, but they are not the best choice for your very first drink of the day.

Here is why:

1. Delays Pure Hydration

Your body needs pure, clean water first thing in the morning. Adding supplements means your digestive system has to start processing additional substances before rehydration is complete. This slows down the immediate hydrating, detoxing benefits of drinking water.

2. Interferes with Fasting Benefits

For people who practice intermittent fasting, pure water does not break a fast, but some additives, including collagen, greens, flavouring, or electrolytes may trigger digestion and insulin responses, negating the benefits of fasting.

3. Collagen Absorbs Better with Food

Collagen is a protein, and research has found that it’s best absorbed when taken with vitamin C and a meal. Drinking it alone on an empty stomach will not give you the best results for absorption or effectiveness.

4. Some Additives Can Be Harsh on an Empty Stomach

Some supplements, including certain vitamins and electrolytes, can cause stomach irritation or nausea if taken without food. This also includes lemon juice – for many of us, the bitterness of lemon can irritate our digestion, and even cause gut issues. Drinking plain water first allows your body to gently wake up before introducing supplements later.

The Best Way to Start Your Morning Hydration Routine

1.Drink a full glass (500 ml) of plain filtered, room-temperature/body temperature water, or warm/tepid as soon as you wake up. Ideally with a pinch of Himalayan or Celtic Sea salt if you have been hot and sweating at night to replace lost salts and to increase hydration. If you haven’t been sweating due to the heat just pure water is great!

2. Wait at least 15-30 minutes before having a cup of tea, coffee or mushroom cacao to allow your body to rehydrate naturally.
3. Incorporate greens, collagen or other supplements later in the morning, ideally with a meal, to optimize absorption.

By keeping your first drink of the day simple and pure, you’re giving your body exactly what it needs to function at its best. Hydration is a cornerstone of glowing healthy skin and good health, so starting your morning with a large glass of plain water is an easy yet powerful step toward better digestion, energy, and overall well-being. Why is drinking a glass of water when you wake up so important?

If you need help achieve glowing skin – book a glowing skin and wellness consultation via zoom with me!

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Yvette xx

Thank you for reading my blog!

Hi! 

I am Yvette van Schie, I am a holistic beauty therapist, skin nutritionist, skincare developer and makeup artist. I am passionate about sharing real beauty advice with a whack of reality.

For over 30 years I have worked with the best in the beauty and health industry as a trainer, educator  and product formulator and I still do – so my knowledge is diverse – I am not blinkered when sharing my information with you because everyone I speak to shares what they know, and I turn it into easy to digest information because I want my readers to feel empowered to make their own decisions and to feel that they are fully in control of their beauty and well being.