Not only supporting the digestive system, this habit is also said to help reduce stiffness, especially in middle-aged and elderly people.
According to medical experts, after a long night of rest, the body often falls into a state of mild dehydration. At that time, the joints may become dry and easily cause pain or stiffness when exercising in the morning. Supplementing with warm water helps the body activate blood circulation and supports lubrication of the joints.
Dr. Kenji Shibuya, a public health expert at the University of Tokyo (Japan), said that drinking warm water in the morning can help the body "warm up" gently after sleep. "Warm water helps promote blood circulation and improve metabolism. This contributes to making joints more flexible, reducing the feeling of stiffness when just waking up," he said.
In addition, warm water also helps muscles relax and supports the process of eliminating metabolic products in the body. When the body is provided with enough water, joint fluid is also maintained more stable, thereby helping to reduce pressure on joint cartilage during exercise.
Experts recommend drinking about a glass of warm water immediately after waking up, about 10–15 minutes before breakfast. The water temperature should only be at 35–40 degrees Celsius to avoid irritating the stomach.