The Trend of Drinking Hot Water in the Morning is Viral on TikTok, Is it Really Beneficial?

JAKARTA - Lately, many people routinely drink a glass of hot water in the morning. They do this in order to follow the viral trend on social media. Since the beginning of the year, TikTok has been filled with content discussing the benefits of drinking hot water after waking up. Many believe that this habit can reduce bloating, overcome constipation, and even remove toxins from the body.

One of the creators claimed that his stomach was very flat after regularly drinking hot water in the morning. The video went viral and was liked by millions of viewers. Until finally, making many people curious to try it.

This trend is quite simple, namely drinking a glass of hot water when the stomach is still empty in the morning. It is unclear who first popularized it, but videos about this habit have been circulating since around April 2025.

In some countries, drinking hot water is already a habit. In the view of traditional Chinese medicine, warm water is believed to help improve blood circulation and the digestive system. Therefore, many feel that the body becomes more comfortable when they start eating and the digestive activity feels smoother.

Gastroenterologist from UT Health San Antonio, Dr. Cari Sorrell said there is no strong scientific evidence that hot water is a magic solution for bloating or constipation. However, drinking enough fluids is important to keep the digestive system running smoothly.

"When you wake up, your body will naturally trigger activities such as defecation. This makes the stomach feel more relieved, especially if it feels bloated before. Drinking hot water can help this process run more smoothly," said Dr. Sorrell, quoted from the My San Antonio page on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Interestingly, there is no evidence of the benefits of hot water more than ordinary water. Adding lemon also does not have a special effect, besides making it taste fresher.

Many claims say hot water can help the detox process. In fact, our body already has its own system for it.

"The heart and kidneys work constantly to filter and remove substances that the body does not need, without the need for hot water. Drinking enough water can support weight loss programs, but there is no special relationship with water temperature," said Dr. Sorrell.

Many people want to feel healthier in a simple and inexpensive way. Habits such as drinking hot water in the morning seem easy to do without a big cost, so it's natural that many are interested in trying.

In addition, there is also an urge not to miss the trend. People feel they have to follow the trend so as not to feel left behind by others. Some are also hesitant to ask a doctor for fear of being considered trivial.

"Drinking water in the morning is definitely a good habit. However, what needs to be considered is the temperature. Water that is too hot (above about 60°C) can cause wounds in the mouth, throat, and esophagus." added Dr. Sorrell.

If it happens again, there is a risk of increasing serious health problems, including esophageal cancer. So it's best to choose warm water, not too hot.

Instead of focusing on trends, there are several things that have been proven to drink warm water in the morning to help digestive health, including:

- Consume high-fiber foods as needed

- Drink enough water every day

- Exercise routine

- Add fiber intake gradually so that the body can adjust

In addition, it is best to drink more water in the morning or afternoon so that you do not often wake up at night just to urinate.