Many individuals practice drinking a glass of water immediately after waking up for health and wellness purposes. This habit is believed to awaken the digestive system, aid blood circulation, and reduce blood viscosity. However, if done incorrectly, it may instead place an unnecessary burden on the body.
Dr. Masaru Kainuma, a Japanese specialist in surgery, warns that gulping down excessively hot water right after waking could cause reflexive blood pressure fluctuations. For individuals with hypertension, arteriosclerosis, or those prone to morning dizziness and palpitations, this may increase cardiovascular strain. He recommends following the principles of "small amounts, lukewarm temperature, and slow sipping" to truly protect one’s health.
### Is It Harmful to Drink Warm Water Immediately After Waking?
According to a report by Japanese media outlet 'yoga,' Dr. Kainuma explains that the body is typically in a mild state of dehydration upon waking, and the autonomic nervous system has not yet fully stabilized. Blood pressure tends to rise, and blood vessels easily constrict during this time. Consuming very hot water all at once may cause sudden dilation of internal blood vessels, leading to reflexive blood pressure fluctuations. Some individuals may experience symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness as a result.
### Morning Blood Vessels Are Most Vulnerable — Chugging Hot Water May Trigger Blood Pressure Spikes
Dr. Kainuma shared the case of a man in his 60s who drank a large cup of steaming hot water every morning as part of his health regimen. Surprisingly, this long-standing habit was identified as the root cause of his persistent morning dizziness and heart palpitations.
### Three Incorrect Drinking Habits That Strain Blood Vessels — Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients Should Be Especially Cautious
Dr. Kainuma emphasizes that blood vessels are particularly vulnerable to sudden changes within a short period. Rapid shifts in water temperature, intake volume, or osmotic pressure can place stress on the vascular system. The following three habits should be avoided:
- Immediately chugging a full cup of hot water upon waking - Drinking large amounts of water only when feeling thirsty - Choosing caffeinated beverages as the first drink of the morning
Patients with hypertension or diabetes often have reduced vascular elasticity, making them more susceptible to complications under sudden stress. These risks should never be underestimated.
### How Much Water Should You Drink on an Empty Stomach in the Morning? What Is the Healthy Way to Hydrate? Four Principles for Proper Morning Hydration
To ensure that the first glass of water in the morning supports rather than burdens the body, Dr. Kainuma recommends adhering to the following four principles:
- **Moderate water temperature**: Water should be close to body temperature or slightly warm. There is no need to drink water so hot that it feels scalding. Room-temperature water is also acceptable. - **Control initial portion size**: Upon waking, start with just 100 to 150 milliliters. There is no need to finish an entire glass at once. - **Sip slowly and gradually**: Avoid gulping it all down at once. Instead, spread out intake over time, such as during washing up or changing clothes. - **Avoid excessive fixation**: The key to hydration is gentleness and smoothness. There is no need to insist on specific types of warm boiled water or follow overly complicated drinking routines.
Source: 'yoga'
FACT BOX
- Source: PR Times
- Category: Survey
- Organizations: yoga