Did you know that about 60% of our body is made up of water? That’s right – water is life! It’s the unsung hero behind many of our body’s most essential processes and it’s no wonder there’s a growing buzz around the idea of drinking water first thing in the morning.
Advocates claim it can transform your health, but how much of this is fact, and how much is simply hype?

If you’ve heard that drinking water first thing in the morning is a hydration game-changer, think again! While it’s commonly believed that swigging some H2O on an empty stomach rehydrates your body after a night’s rest, the science isn’t entirely on board.

In this article we’ll break down some of the myths floating around so you can make an informed decision on how you’ll stay hydrated.

Urine color
Many people assume they wake up dehydrated because their urine tends to be darker first thing in the morning. It’s a common belief that your body is crying out for water after hours without hydration during sleep.

But here’s the thing – it’s only partially true. While dark urine might suggest dehydration, it’s not always a reliable indicator of your overall hydration levels.

According to research, “[study participants] were not particularly well hydrated,” despite “having lighter-colored urine.”

“That’s because large intakes of water can dilute urine, causing it to be a lighter or more transparent color – even if dehydration exists.”

Starting your day with a glass of water can make you feel like you’re prioritizing hydration, but the timing of water consumption isn’t the key factor here.

Calorie control and weight loss
Drinking water before breakfast is often touted as a weight-loss trick, but how much truth is there to this?

Water can increase feelings of fullness, which might help reduce calorie intake. There’s also evidence supporting water-induced thermogenesis – where drinking water boosts your body’s metabolic rate for about 60 minutes.

However, the timing of water consumption isn’t as significant as the overall habit of drinking enough water.

Medical News Today reports that one study showed drinking water before breakfast reduced calorie intake at the next meal by about 13%. Interestingly, another study found similar results when participants drank water 30 minutes before lunch. It seems that the key takeaway here is less about timing and more about staying hydrated to support healthy eating habits!