Why You Shouldn't Start Your Day with Coffee

Regardless of what type of coffee you prefer, if it's your first drink in the morning, it's not the healthiest choice.

Clinical dietitian Megan Lyons explains that it’s important to start your day by drinking water. "You should drink as much water as possible in the morning because the kidneys and liver do a great job overnight cleansing toxins from everything the body was exposed to during the day," Lyons explained. "That’s why urine is usually darker or more concentrated in the morning. So, to help the detoxification system work more efficiently, you need to drink clean water in the morning."

She adds that "drinking coffee before water in the morning can lead to dehydration, especially because coffee is a diuretic." According to Lyons, you feel thirsty in the morning because your body loses fluids overnight through breathing and sweating, and the recommended way to start your day is therefore with a glass of water.

"Drinking water first thing in the morning, even before your coffee, is a reliable way to boost energy levels, improve digestion, and support daily hydration goals. When people hit an afternoon energy slump and reach for a third cup of coffee, it's often actually a sign of dehydration. That’s why drinking a full glass of water before your next coffee can lead to better energy levels."

Lyons also noted that "water is essential for hydration, boosting energy, improving skin health and digestion, and even lubricating joints to prevent pain and protect the spinal cord. Even people with complex digestive issues often find symptom relief just by increasing water intake. Drinking enough water protects against dehydration, mood swings, concentration issues, overheating, and even kidney stones."

The U.S. National Academy of Medicine recommends that men ages 19–30 consume 3.7 liters (125 oz) of water per day, while women in the same age group should aim for 2.7 liters (91 oz) daily.