What's the best thing to drink in the morning on an empty stomach?

October 15, 2025 •

3 min read

After a full night's sleep, your body is in a state of mild dehydration, making the first beverage of the day crucial for rehydration. Choosing what's the best thing to drink in the morning on an empty stomach can significantly impact your digestion, energy levels, and metabolism throughout the day.

Quick Summary

This guide explores various options for morning drinks on an empty stomach, detailing their specific benefits for digestion, hydration, and metabolism. We compare plain water, warm lemon water, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera juice, and herbal teas, helping you select the best choice for your personal health needs.

Key Points

Plain Water is King: Plain water, especially warm or at room temperature, is the most universally safe and effective morning drink for rehydration and boosting metabolism.
Lemon Water Aids Digestion: Warm lemon water can stimulate digestion and provides Vitamin C and antioxidants, but protect your tooth enamel from its acidity.
ACV Boosts Metabolism (with Caution): Diluted apple cider vinegar can help with metabolism and blood sugar, but must be consumed with care and is not for those with acid reflux.
Aloe Vera Soothes the Gut: Aloe vera juice is ideal for soothing the digestive tract and is particularly helpful for those dealing with constipation.
Herbal Teas Offer Targeted Relief: Teas like ginger or peppermint can target specific issues like nausea, bloating, and gas, providing gentle relief.
Probiotics for a Healthy Gut: Fermented drinks like kefir and kombucha are packed with beneficial probiotics that support your gut microbiome and immune system.

Your Morning Hydration Matters

When you wake up, your body has gone through hours without fluids. Rehydrating first thing is vital for kickstarting your metabolism and flushing out toxins. The right morning drink can set a positive tone for your digestive system and overall well-being, while the wrong one can cause irritation or an energy crash. The "best" drink is subjective and depends on your specific health goals and sensitivities. Below, we explore several popular and science-backed options.

The Foundational Choice: Plain Water

Drinking a glass of plain water, particularly warm or at room temperature, on an empty stomach offers numerous benefits, including replenishing fluids lost during sleep, boosting metabolism, and aiding digestion and detoxification. It is also non-acidic and gentle on sensitive stomachs.

Warm Lemon Water: A Popular Pick

Warm water with lemon juice provides Vitamin C and antioxidants. It can stimulate digestion and support the immune system. However, the acidity can erode tooth enamel, so using a straw and rinsing your mouth afterwards is recommended.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Tonic: The Metabolism Kickstart

Diluted apple cider vinegar may help boost metabolism, control appetite, and regulate blood sugar due to its acetic acid content. It can also support digestion and improve gut health by balancing stomach acid. ACV must be diluted and is not recommended for those with acid reflux or ulcers.

Aloe Vera Juice: Soothing and Hydrating

Aloe vera juice is known for its soothing and hydrating properties, particularly beneficial for digestive issues like constipation. It promotes bowel function and may have antimicrobial properties that benefit gut health.

Herbal Teas: Targeted Relief

Certain herbal teas can provide specific benefits when consumed in the morning. Ginger tea can soothe the stomach and boost metabolism, peppermint tea helps relax digestive muscles to reduce bloating and gas, and fennel tea can also alleviate bloating.

The Electrolyte Boost: Coconut Water

Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, making it excellent for rehydration and providing sustained energy. It also supports kidney function by helping to flush out toxins.

The Probiotic Powerhouses: Kefir and Kombucha

These fermented drinks are rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for balancing the gut microbiome, aiding digestion, and enhancing immunity. Kefir also provides calcium, while kombucha contains antioxidants.

Morning Drinks Comparison


Drink	Primary Benefit	Best For...	Considerations
Plain Water	Hydration, Metabolism	Rehydration, gentle start, sensitive stomach	None, universally safe
Warm Lemon Water	Digestion, Vitamin C	Immune boost, detoxification	Protect tooth enamel from acid
Apple Cider Vinegar	Metabolism, Blood Sugar	Weight management, gut bacteria balance	Must be diluted; avoid with acid reflux
Aloe Vera Juice	Soothing, Digestive Aid	Constipation, calming intestinal issues	Opt for pure, food-grade juice
Herbal Teas (Ginger/Peppermint)	Targeted relief, Digestion	Bloating, gas, nausea, indigestion	Choose caffeine-free options
Coconut Water	Electrolytes, Energy	Post-workout rehydration, natural energy	Watch for added sugars in processed versions
Kefir/Kombucha	Probiotics, Gut Health	Microbiome balance, digestive support	May not be suitable for those with dairy or yeast sensitivities

Making Your Choice

When deciding what to drink, consider your health goals and any existing conditions. For example, if you have acid reflux, plain water or herbal tea is a safer option than lemon water or ACV. If gut health is your priority, probiotics like kefir could be ideal. The key is to listen to your body and observe how it responds to different choices. Starting simple with plain water is always a safe and effective approach.

Conclusion

While a variety of healthy drinks can kickstart your morning, the best choice ultimately depends on your individual needs. From the foundational hydration of plain water to the specialized benefits of herbal teas or probiotic drinks, each option offers a unique way to support your body's morning routine. Prioritizing rehydration and choosing a drink that aligns with your health objectives is a fantastic way to begin your day. For further details on gut-healthy options, consider exploring the research published by health and nutrition experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, yes. Plain water is the most fundamental and universally beneficial choice for morning rehydration. It boosts metabolism, aids digestion, and is non-acidic, making it suitable for sensitive stomachs.

While lemon water may support weight management by boosting hydration and metabolism, there is limited evidence to suggest it directly burns belly fat. Its effectiveness is best realized as part of a balanced diet and exercise routine.

You should always dilute apple cider vinegar (ACV) with water before drinking. A common method is mixing 1 to 2 tablespoons of ACV in a large glass of warm water. Never consume it undiluted, as it can damage tooth enamel and irritate the throat.

It depends. Some find coffee beneficial for digestion, but it can also cause digestive discomfort or anxiety for others, especially those sensitive to caffeine. Plain black or herbal teas are often gentler options.

If you have acid reflux, it's best to avoid acidic drinks like lemon water and apple cider vinegar, as they can aggravate symptoms. Plain water, particularly warm, or soothing herbal teas like ginger or peppermint, are much safer choices.

Yes, coconut water is an excellent morning drink, especially for rehydration. It is rich in electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, providing sustained energy and supporting kidney function.

For gut health, fermented drinks like kefir or kombucha are excellent choices due to their probiotic content. These introduce beneficial bacteria that can balance the gut microbiome and aid digestion.