Health tips are everywhere in life, and the saying that "drinking a glass of warm water in the morning is good for your health" is widely admired. However, this habit has also given rise to some controversy about the possible ingestion of bacteria.
The human oral cavity is an ecosystem of microorganisms
The human oral cavity is an intricate ecosystem. In this space, which is only a few square centimeters, more than 700 different species of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa, are inhabited, with bacteria dominating.
These microorganisms are not only numerous, but also diverse, and they can be found in every corner of the mouth – from plaque on the surface of teeth to tongue coating on the tongue, from the gingival sulcus to the oral mucosa, and even in saliva.
In the microbial ecosystem of the oral cavity, good and bad bacteria coexist, and the dynamic balance between them is essential for maintaining oral health.
Beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, inhibit the overgrowth of harmful bacteria by producing antimicrobial substances such as organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocin.
They can also compete with harmful bacteria for adhesion sites, reduce colonization of pathogenic bacteria, and thus maintain the stability of the oral microbiota.
Harmful bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus distal, break down food debris in the mouth into acids that corrode teeth and gums, while releasing hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes bad breath.
However, in a healthy oral environment, the presence of probiotics effectively limits the activity of these harmful bacteria and maintains a healthy state of the oral cavity.
Drinking water, even without brushing your teeth, does not lead to the intake of large amounts of bacteria. Probiotics in the mouth are effective in controlling the number of harmful bacteria and preventing them from overgrowing.
Even if a small amount of bacteria enters the digestive system with water, the strong acidic gastric juice is enough to kill them, thus preventing bacterial infection. Therefore, drinking warm water in the morning is not the same as ingesting bacteria.
However, the balance of the oral microbiome is very fragile. Poor lifestyle habits, such as irregular diet, excessive sugar intake, improper oral hygiene habits, etc., can upset this balance and lead to an excessive growth of harmful bacteria.
When the number of harmful bacteria increases, they can not only cause oral problems such as tooth decay, periodontitis, bad breath, etc., but also may affect the health of the whole body through blood circulation, increasing the risk of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Therefore, maintaining the balance of the oral microbiome is essential for both oral health and overall health.
In daily life, you should develop good oral hygiene habits, have regular oral check-ups, eat a reasonable diet, and reduce the intake of sugar and acidic foods to maintain the balance of the oral microbiome and promote overall health.
Through a scientific lifestyle and a reasonable diet, we can maintain the balance of this system, protect our oral health, and affect the health of the whole body.
Overnight water
Some people believe that overnight water can grow bacteria and no longer be fresh, which is a potential health risk because it has been left out for too long. However, based on scientific research and practical experience, overnight water is generally safe under proper storage conditions.
Water is the source of life, and after the tap water is chlorine sterilized in the treatment plant, most pathogens are effectively killed, making it suitable for drinking.
However, as chlorine in the water gradually evaporates, the number of microorganisms may rise slightly. It is important to note that this increase in the number of microorganisms is not sufficient to pose a health threat under normal storage conditions.
In a closed, clean environment, the microbial content of overnight water does not change significantly.
Many voices worried about the safety of overnight water may not have taken into account the nature of the water itself and how it is stored. For example, boiled boiled water has killed most of the microorganisms during the boiling process, and its safety is guaranteed even if it is stored overnight.
However, if the overnight water is left directly from the cup that has been drunk, the water in this case may contain more bacteria due to contact with the mouth, especially in warmer environments, where bacteria are more likely to multiply and may not be safe to drink.
In addition to bacterial issues, there may also be slight changes in the chemical composition of the overnight water. When water comes into contact with carbon dioxide in the air for a long time, trace amounts of carbonic acid may form, making the water slightly acidic.
Although this chemical change usually does not cause direct health effects, it may alter the taste of the water.
To ensure the safety and freshness of the overnight water, we can choose containers that are able to seal the water to reduce the ingress of airborne contaminants.
Avoid storing water in high temperatures or direct sunlight, as this may accelerate the growth of microorganisms. Regularly check the cleanliness of the water storage container to ensure that it is free of dirt and residue inside.
Therefore, overnight water is safe to drink if it is properly handled and stored. However, in order to ensure the quality of drinking water as much as possible, it is recommended to use fresh water sources whenever possible.
The benefits of drinking warm water in the morning are numerous
After a night's sleep, the body naturally loses moisture through breathing and skin evaporation. This mild state of dehydration, if not corrected in time, may affect the body's basal metabolism and cellular function.
The mild nature of warm water helps to quickly replenish lost water, promotes the elimination of metabolic waste products from the body, and restores the body's water balance, thus supporting vitality throughout the day.
Warm water has a certain stimulating effect on the intestines, which can promote intestinal peristalsis, thereby helping to relieve constipation.
Especially in the morning on an empty stomach, warm water can effectively stimulate the intestines, speed up the movement and excretion of food debris, and improve the overall health of the digestive system.
Moderate amounts of warm water can thin the blood and reduce its viscosity. This is especially important to prevent thrombosis, as thick blood can easily cause blood vessels to become clogged, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
By improving blood mobility, a glass of warm water in the morning also helps maintain the health of the cardiovascular system.
Drinking warm water in the morning activates metabolic functions in the body. After ingesting warm water, the body temperature rises slightly, and the metabolic rate also increases. Not only does this help speed up the fat burning process, but it is also an effective way to control weight and lose weight.
Warm water has a soothing effect on muscles and relieving pain. It helps to relax the body's muscles and reduce inflammation, especially for those who often experience muscle tension or joint pain, and drinking warm water in the morning can have a noticeable soothing effect.
Warm water also helps to remove toxins from the body and improves blood circulation, which is especially beneficial for skin health. Drinking warm water over a long period of time can improve skin texture, reduce skin problems such as acne and dermatitis, and make the skin appear smoother and more elastic.
Start your day with a warm glass of water that not only refreshes your mind, but also helps you relax and sleep better at night. This simple habit can reduce the number of awakenings during the night to a certain extent, so that the next day is in a better state of mind.
Taken together, the health benefits of drinking warm water in the morning are comprehensive and varied, from promoting physical health to improving mental state, and this glass of water every day is a positive investment in your own health.
However, care should be taken to control the water temperature and avoid overheating to avoid esophageal or stomach upset, and the generally recommended temperature is 35-40°C, which is slightly higher than the body temperature.
In this way, we are not only able to ensure the smooth functioning of our body's systems, but also enhance the overall quality of life.
Drinking patterns that need to be taken care of in specific situations
Proper drinking habits are not only the foundation of life, but also the key to good health. Drinking water in moderation and moderation is especially important for protecting esophageal and kidney health, as improper drinking habits can pose a range of health risks.
The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, and the mucous membrane lining its lining is extremely sensitive to temperature. Drinking hot water at a temperature of more than 65°C can cause direct damage to the esophageal mucosa.
For a long time, this high temperature stimulation may lead to repeated damage to the esophageal mucosa, triggering abnormal cell proliferation, which in turn increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified beverages over 65°C as a possible carcinogenic factor, emphasizing the importance of controlling drinking temperatures.
The kidneys are important detoxification organs in the body, responsible for filtering blood and regulating fluid balance. Drinking water in moderation contributes to the proper functioning of the kidneys, dilutes urine, and reduces the risk of urinary tract stones and urinary tract infections.
However, drinking too much water can place an additional burden on the kidneys, which can lead to water intoxication and affect electrolyte balance, especially in patients with renal insufficiency or heart disease.
Therefore, it is recommended to maintain the temperature of drinking water at 35°C to 40°C, which is the most suitable temperature range, as it can avoid the heat damage that the esophagus may suffer due to contact with too hot liquids, and also enhance the comfort of drinking water.
The right temperature helps protect the mucous membranes of the digestive tract from changes in cell structure caused by excessive temperatures, which can increase the risk of certain health problems, such as esophageal cancer, over time.
Ambient or lukewarm beverages should be a daily choice, as they can significantly reduce chronic damage to the esophagus.
Prolonged irritation of the esophageal mucosa by an overheated drink may lead to repeated damage and repair of mucosal cells, thereby increasing the risk of cell mutation, which is a potential pathway for esophageal cancer to develop.
Drinking water in moderation is the foundation for maintaining your body's water balance and health. The average adult is recommended to consume about 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day, depending on the individual's weight, activity intensity and ambient temperature.
The right amount of water can help the kidneys effectively filter blood and remove toxins from the body, while preventing over-concentration of urine and reducing the risk of urinary tract stones.
Evenly distributing your drinking time throughout the day can help your body better absorb and utilize water, avoiding unnecessary stress on your kidneys by drinking too much water at once.
This dispersed drinking pattern helps maintain a steady flow of blood and electrolyte balance.
The color of urine is an intuitive and effective indicator to monitor an individual's water status. Healthy urine should be pale yellow in color, which indicates adequate water intake. If the urine is dark, it may be a sign of insufficient water intake and you need to increase your water intake.
Through the above scientific drinking water advice, we can not only effectively prevent health problems caused by improper drinking water, but also improve the quality of life and physical health.
Proper drinking habits are a simple and important way of self-care in daily life, and it deserves to be taken seriously by each of us.