Drinking water is one of the most important factors of healthy living. Water replaces fluids lost through urination, perspiration, and digestion and ensures that your organs function properly. Research shows that drinking water can help ward off chronic health problems. Here is the best time to drink water for maximum health benefits.

1. When you wake up
Drinking water after you wake up is a great way to start the day. It flushes out any toxins that build up in your body overnight. It helps to keep your skin clear and moisturized and keeps you from getting headaches. However, according to some studies, chlorine found in tap water can lead to the formation of toxic compounds like trihalomethanes when ingested in large quantities—so drink water from approved brands when possible.

2. Before each meal
Drinking water before you eat is another great way to start the day. Water replenishes your body with fluids lost through sweat, perspiration, and urination. It also helps you feel full faster and helps your body stay hydrated throughout the day. Research suggests drinking water before a meal can help reduce the risk of weight gain or obesity. It also decreases cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.

3. Before and during exercise
Drinking water before and during exercise is another way to stay healthy. One of the main reasons exercise is a healthy activity is that it helps increase the rate of fluid absorption throughout your body tissues. Drinking water before a workout prevents dehydration and improves performance, physical endurance, and muscle strength. It is also vital that you drink water during exercise to keep your body hydrated. Water helps your muscles to swell and remain flexible and prevent muscle proteins from breaking down in the event of muscle fatigue.

4. After your workout
Drinking water after workout is a great way to cool down and flush out any toxins you may have absorbed through exercise. It also replenishes muscles with fluids lost through sweat and helps maintain your muscle mass, heart rate, blood pressure, and workout performance. Drinking enough after exercise helps to prevent cramping and fatigue and aids muscle recovery.

5. Consistently throughout the day
Drinking water throughout the day is a great way to stay healthy. Water helps to regulate your body temperature and ensures that your blood stays clean. It also helps to maintain optimum focus and increase memory function. Staying hydrated during childhood is also important as it improves brain development, boosts concentration and memory function by 30%, accelerates learning skills, and promotes good health. You should always use a water filter to ensure that your water is free from contaminants, including chlorine and fluoride, which can contribute to oral health problems.

A study by Harvard University found that a daily glass of water helps prevent or manage high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Drinking a minimum of eight glasses of plain water helps keep weight under control, lowers the risk for heart disease and stroke, prevents certain cancers, helps stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol levels for better overall health, and reduces the risks of kidney stones.