Benefits of Drinking Warm Water in the Morning: What Does Science Say?

Drinking warm water in the morning is a well-being habit regularly practiced by some celebrities. Intrigued by this trend, Sam Hopes, fitness editor for Tom’s Guide and sports coach, decided to test it for two weeks to evaluate its effects.

This practice has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. It is based on the idea that warm water, consumed in the morning, gently “wakes up” the body. It is often associated with potential benefits such as improved digestion, smoother bowel movements, and a general sense of balance.

According to Sam Hopes, this routine promotes hydration from waking up, provides a feeling of warmth, and can create a calm moment conducive to mindfulness. Easy to implement, it easily integrates into a morning routine.

Uncertain Physiological Effects

From a scientific point of view, the evidence remains limited. The hypothesis put forward is that warm water could relax the digestive system, stimulate peristalsis, and improve blood circulation to the intestine. However, as Sam Hopes points out, the available studies are few and do not clearly confirm these effects.

“So, even if it can give a boost to the digestive system in the morning, it is important to continue drinking water throughout the day for optimal hydration, regardless of its temperature,” she reminds.

A nuanced experience

For 14 days, Sam Hopes drank a glass of warm water every morning, plain, to not skew the observations. “I do not feel any benefit at the moment,” she writes, specifying that neither her bowel movements nor digestion were affected.

Furthermore, this habit had no effect on her energy level or appetite. She even kept her morning coffee, which she considers essential.

“In the end, it didn’t change anything about my appetite, digestion, or bowel movements, but it had a positive effect on my mood, and that’s already something. I enjoyed experimenting, but for now, I prefer my morning coffee,” she concludes.