A viral trend sweeping social media platforms encourages everyone to begin the day with a glass of warm water. This practice draws from centuries-old traditions in Chinese medicine and has exploded in popularity on TikTok. Enthusiasts online insist it supports better digestion, aids in shedding pounds, and flushes out toxins from the body. Some even recommend alternatives like herbal infusions or bone broth to kickstart optimal wellness each morning.
Health professionals universally stress that staying hydrated matters far more than the temperature of the water consumed. Still, many note that warm water often feels gentler on the digestive system compared to cold. Registered dietitian Kristen Carli from Arizona explains the potential upsides. “From a nutritional perspective, drinking warm water can have certain benefits. Besides providing a feeling of comfort, it can help stimulate digestion and better hydration.”
Carli cautions, however, that no solid scientific proof exists to show warm water directly boosts immunity or detoxifies the body. Nutritionist Nicolle Cucco shares a similar view and highlights additional advantages. She points out that warmth can enhance blood circulation, soothe digestion, and improve overall fluid intake. “Although it seems like a new trend to some, this practice has been part of Chinese traditional medicine and Indian Ayurveda for centuries.”
Cucco adds that the heat helps relax muscles throughout the body and widens blood vessels for smoother flow. This process can also calm the nervous system in meaningful ways. Many people choose warm water specifically in the morning because it eases the intestinal tract and stomach muscles. Such relaxation often reduces issues like constipation, making it a popular choice for starting the day.
Physician Snehal Smart emphasizes the essential role water plays regardless of its temperature. It regulates body heat, balances electrolytes, aids digestion, and eliminates waste through urine and sweat. Drinking warm water first thing helps rehydrate after hours of sleep without fluid. “Warm water is generally gentler on the stomach than cold water.”
Smart also mentions that steam from a warm glass can clear a stuffy nose effectively. The warmth further relieves dry throat, encourages relaxation, and may improve sleep quality. Yet she stresses there are currently no studies proving warm water outperforms cold in any major way. Organizations like UVA Health remind everyone that proper hydration supports digestion, waste removal, joint function, and bone health daily.
If trying this routine, aim for a comfortable warmth around 100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns in the mouth or throat. Harvard Health Publishing suggests herbal teas as another excellent option with added perks. Infusions made from dried fruits, flowers, spices, or herbs provide benefits too. Popular choices include hibiscus, chamomile, and ginger varieties known for anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties.
This habit traces deep roots in ancient wellness systems around the world. In Ayurveda, an Indian holistic approach over 3,000 years old, practitioners recommend warm water to ignite digestive fire and clear accumulated toxins gently. Traditional Chinese medicine views warm fluids as nurturing to the body’s vital energy and easier on the spleen and stomach organs. These philosophies prioritize balance and prevention through daily rituals like this one.
Modern science confirms hydration as critical since the human body consists of about 60 percent water. Adults generally need around 91 ounces for women or 125 ounces for men from beverages and food combined, though needs vary by activity and climate. Warm water may encourage more intake for those who find cold less appealing. While strong evidence lacks for dramatic detox or weight loss claims, staying consistently hydrated undeniably supports energy, skin health, and organ function over time.
Share your experiences with drinking warm water in the morning in the comments.
