The Best Times to Drink Water During the Day... Discover Them

SadaNews - There is no disagreement on the importance of water for human health, but the timing of drinking it is just as crucial as the amount.

Choosing the right moment to drink water can help control appetite, boost energy levels, relieve headaches, and even enhance fat-burning processes, according to WebMD.

Here are the key times experts recommend drinking water:

1- When You Feel Hungry

The brain can sometimes confuse the sensation of hunger with thirst. It is advisable to drink a glass of water when feeling hungry, then wait a few minutes.

In many cases, it turns out that the body was only in need of hydration.

2- Upon Waking Up

Early morning is one of the best times to start the day with a glass of water, as the body has spent long hours without fluids. Adding a few drops of lemon juice provides a dose of Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

3- Whenever You Sweat

Losing fluids through sweating - whether after exercise, on a hot day, or in a sauna - requires quick hydration with water to avoid dehydration and muscle fatigue.

In the case of exercise, experts recommend drinking 2 to 3 glasses before working out, one glass every 10 to 15 minutes during activity, and then 2 to 4 glasses afterwards, to replenish lost fluids and improve muscle performance.

4- With Gastrointestinal Illnesses

In cases of diarrhea, vomiting, and fever that lead to rapid fluid loss, hydration is the key to recovery, while avoiding caffeinated drinks as they exacerbate dehydration.

5- On the Airplane

It is also recommended to drink water on the airplane, where the air is very dry due to high altitude, making passengers more susceptible to thirst.

6- During a Massage Session

Additionally, therapists often encourage drinking water before a massage to make the muscles more flexible. After the session, water helps the body eliminate the substances released during deep tissue massage.

7- Before the Menstrual Period

Water can help reduce bloating, headaches, and menstrual cramps. A recent study indicated that drinking water during and before the menstrual period reduces the duration and severity of pain.

8- When Energy Levels Drop

When feeling tired and low on energy in the afternoon, instead of reaching for coffee, experts recommend a cold glass of water or sparkling water with a slice of lemon. Hydration levels directly affect mood, memory, and cognition.

9- When a Headache Begins

Dehydration is one of the most common triggers for headaches and migraines. Even a slight lack of water can cause severe pain. Thus, keeping a water bottle near may reduce these attacks.

10- Before Meals

A study has shown that drinking 500 ml of water half an hour before a meal helps with weight loss by enhancing the feeling of fullness and reducing food intake.

11- To Aid Weight Loss

Water is not only calorie-free but may also speed up the fat-burning process (lipolysis). An experiment on 50 girls indicated that drinking two glasses of water before each meal helped reduce weight and body mass index over 8 weeks.

12- When You Need Higher Concentration

Seventy-five percent of the brain is made up of water, and dehydration causes the brain's blood vessels to contract, affecting concentration, memory, and reaction times.

In this case, water is more beneficial than energy drinks.

How Much Should We Drink?

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends:

• 15.5 cups daily for men

• 11.5 cups daily for women

This includes water and fluids in food. However, hydration needs vary depending on age, health, climate, and activity level.