Medical experts say that drinking warm water immediately after waking up can be an ideal way to start the day, offering many health benefits.

What Happens When You Drink Warm Water After Waking Up? Foods You Should Avoid on an Empty Stomach

Drinking warm water after waking up has many health benefits, but it is not recommended to drink water that is too hot. (Source: Pixabay)

Three Main Effects of Drinking Warm Water

On his personal TikTok account with more than 2 million followers, American doctor Kunal Sood shared that drinking warm water on an empty stomach has three main effects: improving digestion, supporting weight loss, and promoting blood circulation.

According to Dr. Sood, “Warm water helps dissolve foods that are normally difficult to digest. There are also studies showing that warm water can help reduce constipation.”

He cited the results of a study published in the journal Gastroenterology Nursing, which found that drinking water at a temperature of 37°C has a “favorable impact on bowel function.”

In addition to aiding digestion, warm water may also support weight loss. “Warm water can temporarily boost your body’s metabolism. This is because the body works to bring the warm water back to body temperature, and a slight increase in metabolic rate can help burn calories,” Dr. Sood explained.

Moreover, drinking warm water can improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels.

However, he also emphasized: “It is important to make sure the water is not too hot to avoid the risk of burns.”

Foods You Should Not Eat on an Empty Stomach

When feeling hungry, many people tend to eat whatever is readily available to curb their appetite. However, some common foods are not suitable to consume on an empty stomach, as they may make you feel hungry again quickly, cause digestive discomfort, or even negatively affect long-term health.

Drinks

Soft drinks and carbonated beverages contain a lot of sugar but do not provide a lasting feeling of fullness. In addition, carbonation can cause bloating and irritate the stomach.

Bottled fruit juices or fruit smoothies are also not ideal choices, as they often lack fiber and can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then drop rapidly, leading to fatigue and increased hunger.

Additionally, drinking coffee or tea on an empty stomach can stimulate acid production, causing stomach discomfort, pain, and potentially gastritis or ulcers if done repeatedly.

Foods

Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white pasta, and pastries contain simple sugars that are digested very quickly, resulting in a short-lived feeling of fullness.

Similarly, candies, cookies, and low-fiber snacks may taste good but provide mostly empty calories and do not adequately nourish the body. Some products also contain additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), which may increase appetite.

Furthermore, spicy, sour, or highly acidic foods (such as chili peppers and citrus fruits) can irritate the stomach lining, leading to bloating and discomfort.