Surprising Benefits of Starting Your Day with Water: The Japanese Practice That May Boost Weight Loss

Surprising Benefits of Starting Your Day with Water: The Japanese Practice That May Boost Weight Loss

This quick and easy morning habit can support a healthy metabolism and could even help with weight loss.

In Japan, drinking water right after waking up has been a treasured tradition for centuries. Known as "Japanese water therapy," this practice is simple: drink a few glasses of room temperature water on an empty stomach. It's said to help cleanse the body, improve digestion, and support overall health.

Starting your day with a glass of water is a common habit worldwide, these are the benefits:

  • Rehydrates Your Body: After a night of sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated. A glass of water first thing helps replenish those fluids.
  • Speeds Up Metabolism: Drinking water on an empty stomach can increase your metabolism by up to 25%, which might even support weight loss.
  • Aids Digestion: Water keeps your gut healthy, eases constipation, and helps absorb nutrients better.
  • Better Skin and Hair: Staying hydrated reduces dryness, giving you glowing skin and stronger, shinier hair.
  • Boosts Energy: Water increases red blood cell production, which improves oxygen flow and energy levels.

How to Do Japanese Water Therapy

  1. Drink 4-5 glasses of room-temperature water (about 160 ml each) as soon as you wake up, before brushing your teeth.
  2. Wait 45 minutes before eating breakfast.
  3. Eat meals within 15 minutes and avoid food or drinks for two hours after eating.

While the benefits of hydration are undeniable, there's no solid proof that water therapy alone works miracles. Be cautious not to drink too much water at once, your body can typically handle up to 1 liter per hour. Overdoing it can lead to water intoxication (hyponatremia).

How Water Helps With Weight Loss

Drinking water in the morning can help with weight management by replacing sugary drinks, cutting calories effortlessly, and curbing hunger, as thirst is often mistaken for hunger. This can prevent overeating at breakfast or throughout the day.

While beneficial, morning hydration isn't a standalone solution for weight loss. Sustainable results require healthy eating, regular exercise, and balanced habits. Water plays a supportive role by aiding digestion, boosting metabolism, and maintaining steady energy levels.