By Milcah Tanimu
There are optimal times to drink water for various health benefits:
1. **Before Eating**: Drinking a glass of water half an hour before a meal can aid digestion. Avoid drinking water immediately before or after a meal, as it can weaken digestive fluids. Wait about an hour after eating to sip water, which helps the body metabolize nutrients.
2. **Before Menstruation**: Consuming enough water before and during your period can reduce bloating and alleviate premenstrual discomfort. Dehydration is a leading cause of cramps and headaches. Increasing water intake can alleviate pelvic discomfort, shorten menstrual cycles, and reduce the need for painkillers.
3. **When Sick**: Hydration is crucial for recovery from illness. Start drinking water as soon as you feel unwell, even if you don’t have an appetite. Avoid alcohol and coffee-based beverages, as they can dehydrate you.
4. **During Sweating**: Whenever you sweat due to activities like using a hot tub, sauna, outdoor exposure on a hot day, or exercise, your body loses fluids. Drinking water helps regulate your body temperature and keeps you cool.
5. **When Feeling Hungry**: Sometimes, thirst is mistaken for hunger. When you feel hungry, try drinking water first, and wait a short while to see if it satisfies your appetite.
6. **Upon Waking Up**: Drinking water in the morning is beneficial as your body has undergone an overnight fast. Adding lemon juice to your morning glass of water provides potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants for an energy boost.
7. **Before, During, and After Exercise**: Water is essential for rehydrating after losing fluids through perspiration during exercise. It’s recommended to drink two liters of water every 10 to 15 minutes while exercising and two to four liters after your workout.
8. **After Sex**: Drinking water after sexual activity can promote urination, which may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by clearing bacteria from the urinary system.
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