In Japan, it is common practice to drink two full glasses of water upon waking. It’s said have the ability to fully cure a number of diseases, including cancer, as well as provide a host of other benefits. And I think they may be on to something.

As a nation, Japan has the overall greatest longevity, currently hosting over 50,000 centenarians, or 100+ year olds. Whether it’s the water practice or something in the tea they drink, we can learn a few tricks from the Japanese.

So regardless if this practice will save your life as they believe, here a look at many of the otherproven benefits of drinking two full glasses of water upon waking.

1) It rehydrates your dehydrated body

When you wake up after a long sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated. No matter how much water you drank the day before, you have used up your stores and it’s time to refill the tank.

The first thing drinking water after waking up will do is provide your cells with much needed, life giving water.

Compare this to the norm; drinking a 16 oz. cup of coffee, which will further dehydrate your already thirsty body.

Partaking in this immediate rehydration will have major noticeable benefits including:

– Feeling more refreshed

– Having more natural energy throughout the morning

– Being healthier & happier

2) Flushes out toxins

After nourishing your cells, drinking water after waking up will flush unwanted toxins out of your body.

While you sleep your body repairs itself, replenishes energy and balances hormones. The result is toxins and other waste materials being released and waiting to be flushed out.

After clearing your body of these toxins,  you will feel great and be able to absorb more nutrients from a well-balanced breakfast.

This also leads to clear skin and better overall well being.

3) Fires up your metabolism

Drinking water is a crucial tactic when it comes to weight loss. But drinking water after waking up is the most optimal way to do it.

Think of drinking water after waking up as an alarm clock for your metabolism. This morning water kick starts your metabolism & has been proven to increase your calorie burning potential throughout the day.

Not only that, but water actually fills you up & curbs your appetite, allowing you to make smarter choices for your breakfast.

These smart choices tend to roll over to smarter choices throughout the day. If you know anything about healthy eating, then you know that this momentum is so powerful. There’s no better way to start that momentum than with a tall glass of delicious water.

4) Fuels your brain

Here’s a fun fact; your brain is 75% water.

If you’ve been drinking enough of it, you will know that without water your brain is not going to function at its optimal level.

A morning glass of water will leave you feeling sharp and clear throughout the day, giving you an edge over all the dehydrated zombies you’ll encounter.

5) Keeps you regular & relieves constipation

The main cause of constipation is dehydration.

Drinking water when you wake up will not only cure dehydration but it will help relieve constipation, help to keep you regular and promote a morning bowel movement. This is a great way to start the day.

6) Prevents and cures disease

As stated above, in Japan it is believed that drinking water this way can cure even the harshest diseases over time. I am not a scientist, or a doctor, but what I do know is that doing this will certainly help cure disease and can certainly help prevent them, even if the effects are subtle.

Something that is so healthy and good for you, if not performing miracles, is going to have a positive impact on your health.

One of my biggest beliefs is to control what you can, and don’t worry about the rest. Something like drinking a glass of water when you wake up is certainly under your control, so why not do it.

7) Its completely refreshing

Last, but certainly not least, the 7th reason you should partake in the practice of drinking water after waking up is because of how good and refreshed it will make you feel. There really is nothing more refreshing than waking up, dry mouthed, and enjoying life’s purest substance.

It revitalizes me, and I feel crisp and clean afterwards.

That, a nice run, a hot shower & juice from my Breville Juicer starts me off feeling so refreshed for the day. I really can’t recommend it enough.

So how much water should I drink?

If this sounds like something you are into that great. But how much water should you drink to reap the benefits?

The amount varies around the web. In the Japanese healing protocol it is noted that you should drink 4 160mL glasses of water upon waking. This translates to 20 oz. of water. To give you a good idea, that’s 1/3rd of a 2 liter coke, or 2.5 cups of water.

This is a pretty decent amount of water, so start small if you want. Right now I slug down two tall glasses from my Zero Water Filter when I wake up. I’ve got it chilling right next to my bed at room temperature.

In conclusion

Before the comment train runs in, I already know. “There’s no proof,” “blah blah blah blah blah.” I really don’t care.

The fact is that the Japanese have the most longevity as a nation. There is currently over 50,000 100+ year old Japanese people. They must be doing something right.

And even if you don’t believe in water being able to cure disease, you cannot deny the fact that this will have a positive effect on your health and life.

So control what you can, and think about adding two glasses of water to your morning routine. It may be the best decision you ever made..