JAKARTA - Drinking enough water is very important to maintain overall body health. Water helps regulate body temperature, transport nutrients and oxygen to cells, and keep joints flexible. In addition, water intake also affects the body's metabolism. So, when is the best time to drink water so that the metabolism works more optimally?
Nutritionists emphasize that one of the most effective times to drink water is after waking up. During sleep, the body experiences mild dehydration because there is no fluid intake.
"The best time to drink water is when you wake up, because the body is dehydrated while sleeping," suggested Anar Allidina, M.P.H., R.D., a Toronto-based nutritionist, reported on the Prevention website.
"Try to drink 12–20 ounces (about 350–600 ml) within 30–60 minutes of waking up to rehydrate the body's cells and support digestive health," he added.
If the water you drink is cold, your body will burn a little extra calories to warm it up to body temperature.
"By drinking cold water, we actually burn calories. This is because the body has to adjust the temperature of the water to the body temperature," said Vicki Koenig, R.D., C.D.N., a nutritionist in New Paltz, New York.
Besides the morning, another important time is before exercising.
"The best time to stay hydrated is when you are going to use or lose more water. When exercising, we need more water," explains Koenig.
Adequate hydration before physical activity helps the metabolism work more effectively, supports energy burning, and maintains body performance.
Experts also advise against drinking too much water before bed.
"Excessive fluid intake at night can interfere with sleep because it often wakes up to urinate, and poor sleep quality can affect metabolic health," said Allidina.
Water plays an important role in all metabolic reactions in the body.
"Hydration supports energy production in our cells. Every metabolic reaction requires water. Even mild dehydration can slow down the production of cellular energy, fat burning, and nutrient distribution," said Allidina.
Without water, ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main source of energy for cells, cannot release the energy the body needs.
"Hydration supports metabolism by maintaining normal cardiovascular function, body temperature regulation, digestion, nutrient transport, waste disposal, and physical performance, all of which affect energy expenditure and metabolic efficiency," said Koenig.
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