Writer Kim Jin-ho's Water and Health Stories (60) Starting a Healthy New Year with a Glass of Water in the Morning

The new year of 2025 has dawned. Last year was a hectic one. Amid the medical crisis and the loss of compromise politics, the unprecedented impeachment of both the president and the acting authority compounded the difficulties that many citizens faced.

However, time does not stop and flows forward, bringing a new year. Now let us pause for a moment and enjoy the leisure of having a glass of water. This leisure can gift us with stability and peace in our lives.

Water is a gift from nature. Water, the simplest yet most powerful healing tool, plays an important role in purifying and restoring both body and mind. We encourage everyone to reflect on one's body and mind with a glass of water and to make this year one where we care for our families and neighbors.

Health Benefits of Alkaline Ionized Water: Based on MFDS Data

Among water's benefits, alkaline ionized water is particularly noteworthy. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) recognizes that alkaline ionized water can help improve gastrointestinal symptoms. The pH balance of alkaline ionized water helps alleviate gastrointestinal disorders that may result from excessive acidification and improves the intestinal environment.

In particular, alkaline ionized water shows positive effects on the following gastrointestinal-related symptoms.

① Chronic diarrhea relief: Helps maintain the balance of moisture and electrolytes in the intestines.

② Indigestion relief: Alleviates heartburn and digestive disorders caused by excessive stomach acid.

③ Gastritis symptom improvement: Shows protective effects on the gastric mucosa.

Through this, we can see that alkaline ionized water goes beyond merely quenching thirst and serves as a foundation for healthy living.

Scientific Evidence: Magnesium Alkaline Ionized Water Protects Kidney Cells

According to research conducted by the Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine research team, magnesium alkaline ionized water (MARW) produced by MineralMaker plays an important role in protecting kidney cells damaged under hyperglycemic conditions. The research was published in the MDPI Processes journal and presents the following key findings.

① Prevention of kidney cell damage caused by hyperglycemia: When blood sugar levels rise, kidney cells can be damaged; magnesium alkaline ionized water inhibits this cellular damage.

② Antioxidant effects: The magnesium and alkaline components contained in magnesium alkaline ionized water contribute to reducing oxidative stress.

③ Kidney function protection: Helps maintain the kidney's filtration function and prevents long-term damage.

The research suggests through these results that magnesium alkaline ionized water can be a beneficial tool for health management, particularly in protecting the kidneys.

Appropriate Daily Water Intake and Correct Water Consumption Methods

When drinking water for health, what is important is the appropriate amount and the correct method of consumption. The following can serve as a reference for drinking an appropriate amount of water per day.

① Recommended daily water intake: Calculated on the basis of 33mL per kilogram of body weight. For example, if you weigh 60kg, you should drink approximately 2 liters (1,980mL) per day.

② Timing of water consumption: Divide the day into 8-9 periods and regularly drink water.

- A glass immediately upon waking in the early morning.

- A sip when thirsty during meals.

- A glass two hours after meals.

- 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals.

- Before going to bed.

In particular, water consumed on an empty stomach in the early morning helps to relieve dehydration that occurred overnight and activates intestinal function, greatly helping to start the day healthily.

And water consumed before bed helps prevent blood clots that may occur due to dehydration during the night.

Starting the New Year Healthy: Small Steps Through Water

In 2025, we hope that everyone will create better health and lives through the leisure of having a glass of water. In this complex and chaotic world, let us trust the simplicity of water and its natural healing power. A glass of water will be the beginning of creating a year filled with care and love for ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.

We hope that in the new year, through water, people will take care of their health and happiness and move forward toward better lives.