NHS doctor Amir Khan, a regular face on ITV’s Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, has revealed a simple morning routine that he claims significantly improves his day. The GP has been practising this “new habit” for several weeks and has found it to have numerous benefits, including making him feel more invigorated.
On his @doctoramirkhan TikTok account, Dr Khan shared: “You know what I’ve started doing every morning? Before I even have my first cup of coffee, I drink a full glass of water. Simple, I know, but let me tell you why this tiny habit has made a big difference to how I feel.”
Dr Khan further explained that if you wake up after approximately seven or eight hours without any liquid, you’ll be “slightly dehydrated, even if you don’t feel thirsty”. He added: “That’s a little bit of dehydration and that can make you feel sluggish, foggy headed, and even a bit irritable, before the day has even begun.”
However, if you start your day with a glass of water, Dr Khan says it “kickstarts your metabolism”, aids in “flushing out toxins and waste products your body has been working to process overnight” and also “gives your kidneys and liver a little morning boost”.
Dr Khan continued: “And really important for me, it hydrates your brain – improving focus, memory and mood. Even mild dehydration can affect concentration. It helps your digestion too. Your stomach and intestines need water to work efficiently, especially if you’re having a high fibre breakfast, which we should all be having.”
Consuming water can also benefit your complexion. Dr Khan explained: “Hydration from the inside helps maintain elasticity and glow.”
This has now become a morning routine for Dr Khan, who places a full glass of water beside his bed so that upon waking he knows he must consume it.
Based on the Eatwell Guide, the government advises you should target drinking six to eight cups or glasses of fluid daily.
This encompasses water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free beverages, including tea and coffee.
You should also restrict fruit juice and smoothies to no more than one small glass (150ml) daily, as they contain high levels of sugar.
You should also consume additional fluids if you’ve been perspiring from physical activity, or if you’re feeling poorly.