I Tried Drinking Warm Water Daily for 14 Days Like Jennifer Aniston—Here’s What Happened

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A photo of a woman holding a water bottle. — Image of Jennifer Aniston at an awards ceremony. | Credit: Shutterstock

As someone who enjoys exploring wellness trends that may benefit my health, I was intrigued to learn about the potential advantages of drinking warm water. So, I decided to give it a shot.

Stars like Jennifer Aniston often start their mornings with warm water. While Aniston prefers adding fresh lemon to her routine, for this experiment, I chose to stick to plain warm water.

This practice, rooted in Chinese traditions and medicine, is believed to support the body after waking up. Advocates associate drinking warm water with improved digestion, better motility, and overall balance.

This isn’t my first experiment at Tom’s Guide; I’ve previously tried lemon water, apple cider vinegar shots, and even olive oil. With the prominence of gut health in discussions today, I thought: why not try warm water?

Here’s what unfolded when I incorporated a glass of warm water into my routine every day for two weeks. Grab one of the best water bottles for hydration, and read on to discover my findings.

What are the benefits of drinking hot water?

A gray-haired man in a red polo shirt drinks a glass of water during the day to avoid bathroom trips at night. — Credit: Getty Images

Whether it’s a cozy mug of chai, a lively latte, or a calming cocoa, hot beverages create a sense of comfort. Drinking warm or hot water is not only soothing; it can enhance hydration when you wake up, provide warmth, and foster feelings of calm and mindfulness.

Additionally, it establishes a ritualistic practice that can be grounding, aiding in the formation of healthy habits, and it’s both economical and accessible. As long as the water is cooled to a safe temperature, there’s little risk in trying out this morning habit.

The notion is that warm water can enhance digestion and improve gut motility. However, research on this topic is mixed. The theory is that warm water relaxes the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates peristalsis, and increases blood flow to the digestive system. Nevertheless, there is a need for more substantial studies to back these claims.

While waking up to warm water can feel invigorating, it’s crucial to continue hydrating throughout the day to maintain overall well-being, regardless of the water’s temperature.

For my experiment, I boiled water in a kettle and let it cool to a safe temperature. I chose to stick to one glass of plain warm water to ensure that any benefits I experienced couldn’t be attributed to other substances.

I drank warm water every day for 14 days — here’s what happened

Woman wearing a white t-shirt drinking a hot drink by the window — Credit: Getty Images

The warm water felt soothing, and I found it helped me drink more water in the mornings. However, to be completely honest, I didn’t notice any significant effects. I’m already quite good at staying hydrated (thanks to my Stanley Cup), but this endeavor didn’t seem to noticeably impact my gut health or digestion.

I continued to enjoy my morning coffee—an essential part of my routine (a flat white with a sprinkle of cinnamon)—and while I didn’t feel more energized, I appreciated the addition of warm water beforehand.

While I can see this being more appealing in winter, as we transition into spring, I find myself leaning towards a cooler, refreshing glass of filtered water instead. Nevertheless, incorporating warm water into my mornings has introduced more ritual into what can often be chaotic starts.

Instead of rushing around looking for my phone while trying to put my dog’s harness on, I found joy in quietly filling the kettle and preparing my warm water. That simple moment of pause, allowing myself to gaze out the window and breathe, felt like a deep sigh of relief.

Overall, while my appetite, digestive system, and motility did not change, I noticed a positive shift in my mood. I enjoyed the experiment but will stick to my usual morning coffee for the foreseeable future.