Be it drinking a glass of lukewarm water or going for a jog, most of us have a ritual we follow every morning. While we believe these habits have some beneficial effects, some of them can do more harm than good. From false health claims to improper morning practices, we are going to debunk some prevalent morning routine myths and bring the facts to your notice. 

Myth 1: Drinking lemon and honey water early in the morning helps in removing toxins.

Fact: Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while lemon is a natural antioxidant. Both of these ingredients can help fight inflammation and reduce free radicals from the body, which can otherwise cause organ damage. However, no scientific study or evidence shows that having lemon and honey with lukewarm water will help in removing toxins from your body. In fact, the human body is known to detoxify itself with the help of the liver.

Myth 2: Using the first saliva before brushing is good for reducing acne.

Fact: The salivary flow during sleep is low as compared to the time of the day when you’re awake. Therefore, the number of bacteria in the saliva is highest upon awakening because the bacteria keep on multiplying during sleep. Therefore, it is not recommended to use saliva for skin care. Using the first saliva before brushing might aggravate other issues instead of providing relief to acne. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for any skincare advice. 

Myth 3: An empty stomach workout is good.

Fact: Many fitness experts believe that running on an empty stomach is not the most efficient way to work out as it prevents your metabolism from kicking in. After around 30 minutes of an empty stomach exercise, your body will start to break down muscles to gain energy. This can cause overexertion, dizziness and dehydration. Empty stomach workouts would also lower your blood sugar levels, resulting in excessive hunger post-workout, making you eat more food than you should have after the workout.

Myth 4: Drinking tea before brushing your teeth can cleanse your system.

Fact: A night’s sleep leads to excessive bacteria development in your mouth, which should be cleaned first thing in the morning. Having tea or other stimulants that are high in acidic content will lead to the bacteria breaking the sugars down. This will increase the acid levels in your mouth, increasing the risk of enamel erosion or cavities. Having tea before properly cleaning your mouth can also lead to gum disease.

Myth 5: Skipping breakfast will help you feel light and good.

Fact: Skipping the first meal in the morning is never a good idea. Avoiding breakfast can lead to a sudden drop in your blood sugar levels, which can make you experience headaches, attention problems, nausea and dizziness. You should instead focus on adding healthier ingredients such as proteins and healthy fats to your breakfast rather than eliminating it from your diet.

While it is important to develop good habits, you must also refrain from believing anything spoken on the internet unless it is backed by medical evidence or science. If you have more questions,

Consult Apollo's Expert Doctors

Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.