Dietitians say the best way to start your day for hydration is with plain water.\u00a0Hydration supports cognitive function, digestion and many other essential bodily functions.To stay hydrated all day, sip water, eat hydrating foods and monitor your hydration status.<\/p>\n
Hydration can feel confusing\u2014between electrolyte drinks, wellness shots and trending morning beverages, it\u2019s hard to know what actually helps. Mornings are an especially important time for hydration, since we naturally lose fluid overnight. It may not be flashy, but the best morning drink is still plain water.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
Drinking water first thing in the a.m. helps rehydrate your body<\/a>, restore balance and set you up for a more energized, clear-headed day. In this article, we break down why water is so effective in the morning and share other dietitian-approved ways to stay hydrated<\/a> all day.\n<\/p>\n Why Water Works So Well in the Morning Rehydrating first thing in the morning can help support clearer thinking<\/a> and better mood throughout the day. Alexandria Hardy, RDN, LDN<\/a>, explains, \u201crehydration aids in cellular and metabolic function, can benefit our cardiovascular system and boosts mood and cognitive performance.\u201d Hardy cites research that shows that hydration status plays an important role in attention, memory and overall mental functioning.\n<\/p>\n A recent pilot study found that older adults with better hydration levels scored higher on several cognitive tests, including those measuring memory, learning ability and processing speed.\n<\/p>\n Kelly Jones, M.S., RD, CSSD<\/a>, adds how this aligns with findings from observational studies, which have linked low daily water intake with a higher chance of experiencing anxiety or depressive symptoms in both adults and adolescents.,\n<\/p>\n Can Support Digestion <\/p>\n Water supports the digestive system<\/a> by enhancing stomach motility and nutrient breakdown. Morning hydration may also help counter constipation by improving stool consistency and promoting smoother movement through the gastrointestinal tract.\n<\/p>\n Supports Essential Body Functions <\/p>\n Water makes up about 60% of the body and is required for nearly every physiological function. Here are some examples of functions in the body that water helps support:\n<\/p>\n Breakdown and transport of nutrients, making them usable to your cellsDelivery of oxygen to cells, allowing them to function efficientlyRegulation of internal temperature, so your body can cool itselfKeeping tissues\u2014like your mouth, eyes and nasal passages\u2014hydratedCushioning and protecting vital organsProviding lubrication for joints to support comfortable movement.<\/p>\n Can Help Prevent Dehydration <\/p>\n Even if you don\u2019t feel thirsty, you may be slightly dehydrated after several hours without fluid. As Hardy, explains, \u201cWe typically wake up mildly dehydrated<\/a>, thanks to overnight respiration, perspiration and urine production.\u201d Drinking water shortly after waking helps replenish these losses and potentially prevent symptoms of fatigue and sluggishness<\/a>.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Jones adds, \u201cAfter a night of sleep without food and fluid, plain water offers the body what it needs to rehydrate and support optimal energy levels and digestion.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Helps Set the Tone for Healthy Hydration Habits <\/p>\n
\n Helps Boost Cognitive Function <\/p>\n