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| - Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that drinking water on an empty stomach can make your face glow. We did the fact check to term it as Mostly False.
The Claim
According to a post on Threads, drinking two glasses of water on an empty stomach in the morning can make your face glow. The post claims that it can also clean the dirt from inside the body.
Fact Check
Can drinking water improve skin health and enhance the glow?
Yes, it may. But, hydration is not the only factor for a glowing skin. Hydration is important for maintaining skin moisture and preventing dryness. However, it won’t necessarily make your skin glow. Healthy, glowing skin depends on multiple factors like a balanced diet, proper skincare, and sun protection. Although studies show that water can improve skin elasticity, it’s not a magical solution for achieving radiant skin.
A 2015 study shows that increased water intake can improve skin hydration, particularly in individuals with lower daily water consumption. Hydration helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance, preventing dryness and improving texture. But, it doesn’t directly result in glowing skin. The study stresses on the fact that glowing skin is a result of various factors, including skincare, diet, genetics, and environmental conditions.
Similarly, a 2010 study supports the idea that while water is crucial for overall skin health and function, it is not a singular solution for radiant skin. Proper hydration can enhance skin elasticity and thickness, but other elements play a significant role in achieving a glowing complexion.
Dr Rashi Soni, a Dermatologist at Rashi Hospital, Hingoli, Maharashtra, says, “Drinking water is essential for keeping the body and skin hydrated, but it won’t directly give you glowing skin. Skin health is influenced by a range of factors like your diet, sun protection, and daily skincare routine. Water supports skin hydration, but it’s not a magic cure for radiance.”
Dr Sachin Gupta, a Dermatologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana, adds, “Although staying hydrated is important for overall skin function, simply drinking water won’t make your skin glow. True radiance comes from a mix of healthy habits, including a good skincare routine, balanced nutrition, and adequate sun protection.”
Dr Hitesh Aggarwal, a Consultant Dermatologist at Dr Hitesh Skin and Hair Clinic, New Delhi, explains, “Drinking water on an empty stomach is beneficial for maintaining skin hydration, which improves elasticity and overall texture. It can also support gut health and reduce strain during defecation. However, it’s important to understand that hydration alone won’t give you glowing skin. Many factors contribute to skin radiance, including genetics, health, environment, diet, skincare, and sun protection.”
Dr Ekansh Shekhar, a Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant, Lucknow, states, “Yes, drinking water can support skin health and may contribute to a more radiant appearance. Water helps keep the skin hydrated, improving elasticity, texture, and even skin tone. Proper hydration may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines. However, it’s important to note that while drinking water is beneficial, glowing skin is influenced by many factors, including diet, skincare routines, and genetics. Drinking 8–10 glasses a day (or depending on your needs and lifestyle) supports skin health, but it’s not a magic solution for a glowing complexion.”
Does drinking water first thing in the morning activate internal organs?
No, drinking water first thing in the morning does not “activate” internal organs. Your internal organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are continuously working, regardless of when you drink water. Hydration is essential for overall health and supports the kidneys in filtering waste. However, drinking water at a specific time, like on an empty stomach, does not have a unique effect on organ activation. It may help replenish fluids after sleep, but organs function optimally throughout the day as long as you’re properly hydrated. Similar to this, we also saw social media posts which claim that alkaline water can cure cancer. But, this is also inaccurate.
Is drinking water on an empty stomach necessary for detoxification?
No, the body does not need water on an empty stomach for detoxification. The body has a natural detoxification system, primarily managed by the liver and kidneys. These organs filter toxins and waste products from the blood, turning them into substances that can be excreted through urine or sweat. This process is ongoing and doesn’t rely on the timing of when you drink water. Hydration supports the kidneys in their function, but drinking water first thing in the morning isn’t necessary to ‘cleanse’ the body. Your kidneys do their job regardless of the time you consume water. Some people also suggest that drinking hot water can act like a natural blood thinner, helping you stop taking medications. However, this claim is false, and you should always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication routine.
Dr Sharad Malhotra, a Senior Consultant & HOD Gastroenterology Hepatology & Therapeutic Endoscopy, at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, says, “Drinking water on an empty stomach is not required for detoxification, as the body’s natural detox systems, like the liver and kidneys, work efficiently throughout the day. However, staying hydrated is important for overall health and helps these organs function optimally. While drinking water in the morning can certainly help with hydration after a night’s sleep, it’s not essential for detoxification but can be a good habit to maintain overall wellness.”
What are the proven benefits of drinking water in the morning?
There are several proven benefits of drinking water in the morning, though not exclusive to that time of day. It helps with hydration, which is important for overall health. Drinking water before meals may reduce calorie intake in older adults by promoting a feeling of fullness. It can also slightly boost metabolism through a process called thermogenesis, helping burn extra calories. Additionally, rehydrating after sleep can improve mental alertness and concentration. However, drinking water in the morning doesn’t specifically enhance skin health or “flush out toxins,” as those processes are ongoing throughout the day.
THIP Media Take
The claim that drinking two glasses of water on an empty stomach will make your face glow or activate internal organs is mostly false. Hydration is vital for overall health, but there is no scientific proof that the timing of drinking water has such significant effects on your skin or organ function. Proper hydration supports skin health and normal bodily functions, irrespective of the temperature of water. So do not listen to those claims which allege that refrigerated water is harmful for your health. There isn’t enough evidence to support this claim. For skincare, many other factors like diet, skincare, and lifestyle contribute to glowing skin and overall well-being.
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