Is there a right time to drink water?

There is no doubt that water is essential for your health.

Accounting for up to 75 percent of body weight, water plays a key role in regulating everything from brain function to physical performance to digestion – and much more.

However, while it's clear that drinking enough water is important for health, you may wonder if timing matters.

This article takes a look at the evidence to assess the best time to drink water.

What happens if we drink water in the morning?

Enjoying a glass of water first thing in the morning is a simple way to start the day off right.

Some may also find that drinking water immediately upon waking makes it easier to maintain healthy hydration habits and increase fluid intake throughout the day.

If you are dehydrated, increasing your daily water intake can help boost hydration levels, which can be especially beneficial for improving mood, brain function, and energy levels.

In fact, studies show that even mild dehydration can negatively affect memory, concentration, anxiety levels, and fatigue.

However, while some may find that drinking water in the morning works for them, there is no evidence to suggest that it is more beneficial to drink water in the morning than at other times during the day.

Before eating

Drinking a glass of water just before eating a meal is a great strategy if you're trying to lose weight.

Doing this can not only help increase feelings of fullness, but also reduce your intake during that meal.

For example, a study in 24 older adults found that drinking 500 mL of water 30 minutes before breakfast reduced the number of calories consumed by 13%, compared to a control group.

Another study in 50 people showed that drinking 300–500 ml of water before lunch reduced hunger and calorie intake in older adults.

However, while all participants reported increased feelings of fullness, no significant differences in calorie intake or hunger levels were observed in the young adults.

Therefore, although drinking water before meals may be an effective method to support hydration, more research is needed to determine whether it can also promote weight loss in younger individuals.

Before and after training

When you exercise, you lose water and electrolytes through sweat.

Drinking plenty of water before and after exercise is important to keep your body hydrated and help replenish lost fluids.

Excessive fluid losses during your workout can also impair physical performance and cause electrolyte imbalance.

It is recommended to drink water or an electrolyte drink after exercise to help replace lost fluids and optimize performance and recovery.

In conclusion

Enjoying a glass of water first thing in the morning can make it easier to maintain healthy habits and increase your daily water intake.

Drinking water before meals can help increase feelings of fullness and may promote weight loss in the elderly.

Finally, drinking water before and after exercise can replenish any lost fluids to optimize performance and recovery.

However, the most important thing is to drink water consistently throughout the day to stay hydrated. /Telegraph/