Zeitlin recommends consuming at least 8 to 16 ounces of water before breakfast and drinking water consistently throughout the day. “A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water during the day,” she says. (And have more when you work out or when it’s super hot outside.) And you can have that H2O almost any way you want it. “Plain, cold, hot, lukewarm, lemon, lime … anything you need,” says Zeitlin, with the caveat that it’s probably best to avoid carbonated water first. “Carbonated water can cause gas because it’s tiny air bubbles,” she says. “It can also create a false sense of ‘satiety’ from the air bubbles, so you may not have enough breakfast and feel hungry sooner.”

Drinking water at any time of the day is generally pretty healthy for you. But why first thing in the morning? Read on to learn more about why Zeitlin encourages her clients to have a glass or two of water as soon as they wake up. (She adds that the claim that drinking water the first thing in the morning makes you healthier is based on anecdotal evidence and personal preference, not clinical trials.)

1. It helps to increase your brain power

Don’t worry, you don’t have to replace your cup (s) of coffee or matcha with water right away. But instead of drinking this first thing, drink some water. “A major benefit is the increase in mental cognition that water gives our brain,” says Zeitlin. Conversely, dehydration has been linked to decreased alertness and increased drowsiness and confusion … doesn’t that sound like you in the morning? “If we’re tired and drowsy when we’re just waking up, a little extra mental support can help. For this reason alone, you should start the day with a large glass of water, ”she says.

2. It can help you prepare for breakfast

“Some people feel as if a glass of water ‘wakes up’ their bodies in the morning and gets them ready for breakfast,” says Zeitlin. This applies to her and many of her clients, although she admits that there is no solid clinical research to back up these anecdotal experiences. “If you’re someone who is never hungry for breakfast and skips it a lot, then I would suggest having a glass of water first thing in the morning and seeing if it actually gets you more ‘in the mood’ for breakfast than Eating A balanced breakfast has been clinically shown in many studies to improve overall health. “

3. It supports a better mood

TBH who couldn’t use a little help to be less moody in the morning? All you need is a large glass of water. In fact, a small 2014 study found that people who didn’t normally drink much water saw significant improvements in their mood, especially when they went to bed and woke up after increasing their water intake. “We tend to be moody and irritable when we’re dehydrated, which can be after six to eight hours without drinking,” says Zeitlin. “If you start the day with water, you can start the day in a better mood.”

4. It will perk up your skin

If you notice that your skin looks like reading an Ayn Rand novel after a night of partying – AKA hopelessly boring – top up your mug with some water. “If you have dry skin or have been drinking alcohol the night before, water helps restore a healthier, softer, and fresher look and feel to your skin because alcohol dries out our skin and can make it look red and inflamed,” says Zeitlin . “Eight to 16 ounces of water can help make your skin look lighter again.”

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