Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Does drinking a glass of water right after waking up actually help with weight loss?
Yes, it generally helps by boosting metabolism, but the effect varies by constitution. For those with poor digestion or significant morning swelling, excessive water intake can be burdensome. It is recommended to first assess your digestive capacity and the extent of your edema.
Many people try to force themselves to drink large amounts of water for health, only to end up with bloating and digestive discomfort. Rather than following general advice blindly, it is crucial to observe your own body's state.
Please use the following checklist to see if your body is in a condition to benefit from a morning glass of water:
✓ Dry mouth and severe thirst $\rightarrow$ Hydration will likely improve metabolic efficiency and aid weight loss.
✓ Significant swelling in the face, hands, or feet $\rightarrow$ This may indicate a stagnation of Dam-eum (痰飮, unnecessary metabolic waste and fluids in the body), requiring caution.
✓ Abdominal pain after drinking cold water $\rightarrow$ This suggests Bi-heo (脾虛, a deficiency in Spleen function). In this case, lukewarm water is the correct choice.
In Traditional Korean Medicine, 'circulation' is considered more important than simply burning calories. If there is an abundance of Eo-hyeol (瘀血, blood stasis) or Dam-eum, water may not circulate properly and instead stagnate, potentially making you feel heavy or dizzy.
In conclusion, while a glass of morning water is beneficial, the key is adjusting the temperature and volume to suit your digestive power and edema status. If you are curious about your body's circulatory state, please feel free to visit our clinic for a personalized consultation.