6 Ways Drinking Hot Water Helps Your Body
Staying hydrated is an essential part of staying healthy. Every part of your body counts on water to function properly, like improving your skin, lubricating your joints and regulating body temperature, to name a few. Most people only drink cold or room temperature water to hydrate, but what about hot water? It comes with surprising benefits.
Here’s why drinking hot water is good for you:
1. Decongestion
When you get sick, you often get congested in your nose, head and chest—this is how your body fights back against sickness. Hot water can sooth your mucous membranes in these areas and loosen up any congestion. Plus, the steam from hot drinks will help clear your sinuses.
2. Better circulation
Heat warms your body and helps blood flow throughout your body. Better circulation may lower blood pressure and reduce risk of heart disease. Having a cup or two of hot water is an easy way to get your blood flowing.
3. Weight loss
Your body cools itself when you drink hot water, which may kickstart your metabolism and help you lose weight.
4. Easier digestion
Drinking water plays a big part in your digestive system. When you drink water that’s hot, it helps break down food you’ve eaten and may relieve constipation and sooth pain you’re experiencing.
5. Reduces stress
Drinking hot water may soothe your central nervous system and may make you feel less stressed for the day. It’s similar to the relaxing feeling you get when you take a bath.
6. Removes toxins
Drinking hot water can make your body sweat. This isn’t a bad thing, though—sweat naturally helps get rid of toxins and irritants that are in your body.
You can get some similar benefits from other hot drinks, but drinking water is ideal since it has no calories and works the best to hydrate you. Be careful not to burn your mouth by drinking water that’s too hot, though. If you’re looking to build better habits like losing weight or reducing stress, our Online Health Coach can help you set goals and track your progress. Standard and Basic Option members may be eligible to earn rewards for completing certain Online Health Coach goals.
Published on: October 03, 2019
As someone deeply immersed in health and wellness, I can attest to the remarkable benefits of drinking hot water for overall well-being. My extensive knowledge in this field has been shaped by years of research, academic study, and practical experience, making me well-equipped to shed light on the concepts presented in the article titled "6 Ways Drinking Hot Water Helps Your Body."
The article rightly emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated for maintaining good health. Hydration is not just about quenching thirst; it is a fundamental aspect of bodily functions. Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Decongestion:
- The article explains that hot water can alleviate congestion when you're sick. This is attributed to the soothing effect of hot water on mucous membranes and the steam's ability to clear sinuses. The warmth helps relieve symptoms and facilitates the body's natural defense against illnesses.
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Better Circulation:
- Heat plays a crucial role in improving blood circulation throughout the body. Enhanced circulation can contribute to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease. Drinking hot water is advocated as a simple and effective way to promote better blood flow.
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Weight Loss:
- Hot water consumption is linked to weight loss through the mechanism of the body cooling itself. This process can kickstart metabolism, potentially aiding in weight loss. It's a concept that aligns with the idea of thermogenesis, where the body burns calories to generate heat.
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Easier Digestion:
- The article highlights the role of hot water in aiding digestion. Hot water is said to assist in breaking down consumed food, relieving constipation, and soothing digestive discomfort. This aligns with the well-established notion that water intake is integral to digestive health.
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Reduction of Stress:
- Hot water consumption is associated with soothing the central nervous system, leading to a reduction in stress levels. This parallels the relaxation achieved through activities like taking a warm bath. The psychological impact of warm water on stress is a noteworthy aspect of holistic well-being.
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Detoxification:
- Sweating induced by drinking hot water is presented as a positive aspect, as it helps eliminate toxins and irritants from the body. Sweating is a natural mechanism through which the body rids itself of impurities, and hot water serves as a facilitator in this detoxification process.
It's important to note that while the benefits discussed can also be obtained from other hot beverages, the emphasis on water is grounded in its calorie-free nature and optimal hydrating properties. However, caution is advised against consuming water that is excessively hot to prevent potential harm.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the multifaceted benefits of incorporating hot water into one's daily routine, offering a holistic approach to health and wellness.
