What's the Best Thing to Drink on an Empty Stomach First Thing in the Morning?

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2022 study published in Nutrients, adequate morning hydration combined with gut-friendly ingredients can reduce bloating and improve metabolism throughout the day. Choosing the best thing to drink on an empty stomach first thing in the morning can kickstart your metabolism, aid digestion, and set a positive tone for your entire day.

Quick Summary

This article explores ideal morning beverages like water, lemon water, and herbal teas, detailing their benefits for digestion, metabolism, and overall wellness. It provides practical tips and cautions to help you select the best drink for your body.

Key Points

Plain Water is Safest: Drinking warm or room-temperature water first thing rehydrates the body, cleanses the digestive tract, and boosts metabolism gently without side effects.
Warm Lemon Water for Detox: Adding lemon to warm water provides Vitamin C, aids detoxification, and stimulates digestive juices, making it a popular choice for improving digestion and boosting immunity.
Herbal Teas for Targeted Benefits: Specific herbal teas like ginger or peppermint can soothe digestive issues such as bloating and nausea, while others like tulsi offer immune support.
Listen to Your Body: Individuals with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs should be cautious with acidic drinks like lemon water and ACV; plain water is a gentler alternative.
Avoid Sugary Juices: Packaged fruit juices are high in sugar and lack fiber, leading to blood sugar spikes rather than a healthy metabolic boost. Opt for whole fruits or freshly prepared juices instead.
Consider ACV with Caution: Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water can support gut health and balance acidity, but its high acidity requires moderation and care to prevent tooth enamel erosion.

Your Body After a Night's Rest

After hours of sleep, your body is in a state of natural dehydration and fasting. The first thing you consume can have a significant impact on rehydration, metabolism, and digestion. A thoughtful morning drink choice can gently wake up your internal organs, aid in flushing out accumulated toxins, and prepare your digestive system for the day's meals. Conversely, a poor choice, such as a sugary soda or strong coffee, can shock your system and cause discomfort. The key is to select a beverage that provides a gentle reawakening rather than a jarring start.

The Top Contenders for an Empty Stomach

Plain Water: The Universal Elixir

Warm or room-temperature water is arguably the simplest and safest option for everyone. As the foundation of your body's fluids, plain water offers immediate rehydration, which is crucial after a long night. It helps cleanse the bowels, regulate bowel movements, and jumpstarts your metabolic rate. Ayurveda even refers to warm water as 'Ushna Jala,' recognizing its ability to make the body feel lighter and flush out toxins. Starting with a glass of water, especially if it's lukewarm, is the most universally recommended practice for good reason.

Warm Lemon Water: A Digestive Boost

A popular choice for a metabolic and digestive kickstart is warm water with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Lemon is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, helping to flush out toxins and balance the body's pH levels. It stimulates the production of digestive juices, which aids in breaking down food more efficiently throughout the day. For those seeking an extra benefit, adding a teaspoon of honey can provide natural enzymes and flavor. This combination is particularly favored for weight management and supporting overall vitality.

Herbal Teas: The Soothing Alternative

For those who prefer a flavored option without caffeine, herbal teas offer numerous benefits. Specific herbs can target different health goals:

Ginger Tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger tea can soothe nausea, reduce stomach upset, and aid in digestion. It's excellent for strengthening the digestive system.
Peppermint Tea: This tea helps relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which can relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion. It provides a calming effect on the digestive system.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) Water: A staple in Ayurvedic practice, Tulsi water enhances gut immunity and provides antioxidant protection. It is known to promote overall vitality and better digestion.
Cumin-Coriander-Fennel (CCF) Tea: This classic Ayurvedic blend balances the digestive fire (Agni) and is effective in reducing gas and indigestion.

Other Beneficial Morning Drinks

Soaked Fenugreek Water: Soaking fenugreek (methi) seeds overnight and drinking the water helps regulate blood sugar levels and can suppress appetite.
Aloe Vera Juice: This juice has healing properties that can soothe the stomach lining and reduce inflammation. It's a cooling and hydrating option, especially for those with digestive sensitivities.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) with Water: Mixing a tablespoon of ACV with warm water can aid digestion and balance stomach acidity. It's known for its probiotic properties but should be consumed with care due to its acidic nature.

Comparison of Popular Morning Drinks


Feature	Plain Water	Warm Lemon Water	Herbal Teas	Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)	Coconut Water
Digestion	Stimulates bowel movement and regularity	Promotes digestive juices and detoxification	Soothes upset stomach, reduces bloating	Aids digestion, balances acidity	Gentle on the stomach, provides electrolytes
Metabolism	Boosts metabolic rate by rehydrating	Helps with fat breakdown and weight management	Some varieties (e.g., ginger, rooibos) enhance metabolism	May support fat metabolism, requires caution	Naturally energizing without caffeine
Immunity	Hydrates and supports lymphatic system	High in Vitamin C, boosts immune function	Rich in antioxidants (e.g., tulsi, ginger)	Probiotic properties support gut health	High in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Precautions	None, universally safe	Can erode tooth enamel; rinse mouth afterward	Check for sensitivities to specific herbs; some caution advised for green tea	Can be harsh on tooth enamel and digestive tract if used excessively	Generally safe, but monitor sugar content
Best For...	Universal, simple rehydration	Weight management and detoxification	Soothing specific issues (e.g., ginger for nausea)	Gut health support with moderation	Refreshing, electrolyte boost

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While many morning drinks offer great benefits, it's important to listen to your body. Some individuals with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs may find acidic drinks like lemon water or ACV irritating. Strong caffeinated beverages like coffee on an empty stomach can increase stomach acid, potentially causing discomfort or nausea for some individuals. It is also recommended to avoid store-bought fruit juices, as they are often packed with added sugars and lack the fiber of whole fruits, leading to blood sugar spikes. Always opt for natural, freshly prepared options where possible.

A Simple Morning Ritual

For most people, the ideal morning beverage is warm or room-temperature water. It is a no-cost, no-risk way to rehydrate and prepare the body for the day. You can customize it by adding lemon for a vitamin boost or a specific herbal tea for a targeted effect, such as ginger for digestion. The key is consistency and paying attention to how your body responds. A simple, hydrating start can dramatically improve your digestive health and overall energy levels. More on Ayurvedic practices for digestion can be found here.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single 'best' drink for everyone. While plain warm water is the safest and most effective choice for rehydration and kickstarting your system, incorporating additions like lemon or a gentle herbal tea can provide added health benefits tailored to your needs. Avoiding high-sugar juices and excessive caffeine first thing in the morning is a good rule of thumb. By listening to your body and making a mindful choice, you can establish a simple yet powerful morning ritual that supports your digestion, boosts your metabolism, and enhances your overall well-being. Prioritizing hydration and gentle stimulation is the most beneficial approach to starting your day on an empty stomach.

Frequently Asked Questions

For many people, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can be irritating to the digestive system, as it increases the production of stomach acid and may lead to discomfort, indigestion, or nausea. It is often better to have it after a meal.

It is generally recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after drinking water or a light beverage like lemon water before eating your first meal. This allows your body to fully rehydrate and kickstart digestive processes without diluting digestive juices.

While hydrating, cold water can be a bit of a shock to the system. Many experts, including those from an Ayurvedic perspective, suggest lukewarm or warm water as it is gentler on the digestive tract and more easily absorbed by the body.

Warm lemon water with honey can aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and detoxification. The pectin fiber in lemon may also help curb cravings and increase satiety, leading to reduced calorie intake throughout the day.

For bloating, consider peppermint or ginger tea, as they help relax gastrointestinal muscles and aid in digestion. Cumin-Coriander-Fennel (CCF) tea is also an effective Ayurvedic remedy for reducing gas and bloating.

Green tea contains catechins and caffeine that can boost metabolism. However, some individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux may experience discomfort when drinking it on an empty stomach due to its acidity. It's best to assess your own tolerance.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, it is recommended to drink water before brushing your teeth. This helps rehydrate your internal organs and prepare them for the day before you clean your mouth.