There’s no evidence that drinking cold water is bad for your health. Both cold and room-temperature water will keep you hydrated. Drinking warm water has its own benefits, such as helping digestion and toxin removal.
Staying hydrated has
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men 19 and older consume 3.7 liters of water per day (15.5 cups) and women 19 and older consume 2.7 liters per day (11.5 cups). But can drinking cold water have a negative impact on your health?
Some people believe that drinking cold water is a bad habit that can harm your long-term health. This belief is based on the idea that drinking cold water contracts your stomach, making it harder to digest food after a meal.
Some people also believe that your body has to work harder to maintain its internal temperature of 98.6°F (37°C) if you’re drinking water that’s near the temperature of ice, or less than 36°F (4°C).
But is there any truth to these ideas? Keep reading to find out the possible risks and benefits of drinking cold water.
Drinking cold water does affect your body in ways you might not anticipate or want. An older and small
By comparison, the researchers found that chicken soup and hot water helped people breathe more easily. If you’re trying to treat a cold or flu, drinking cold water might make your congestion feel worse.
There are some health conditions that drinking cold water can aggravate.
The pain related to achalasia, a condition that limits your body’s ability to pass food through your esophagus, can also get worse when you drink cold water with a meal, according to a
In traditional Chinese medicine, drinking cold water with hot food is believed to create an imbalance. Typically, meals in the Chinese culture are served with warm water or hot tea, instead. This belief is mirrored in several other cultures around the world.
Some people hold a similar belief that drinking cold water on a hot day won’t help cool you down. There isn’t enough research to conclude that either belief is true or false.
Drinking cold water does have benefits.
According to a
Can drinking cold water help with weight loss?
Drinking plain water, no matter the temperature,
Drinking water as an alternative to sugary beverages is
Drinking water that’s cold may help you burn a few extra calories as you digest it, because your body has to work harder to maintain its core temperature. But it’s not likely that drinking cold water is a powerful jump-start tool for weight loss.
Drinking warm water can:
- help digestion
- aid in circulation
- assist the body in getting rid of toxins faster
While this isn’t a “risk,” per se, it’s something to keep in mind as you decide how you’d like to get water in your body.
Drinking warm or hot water has
Some people may want to avoid drinking cold water. Drinking cold water while you have a cold or flu, or if you have any chronic condition that results in slower digestion, is probably not a great idea.
But, while some cultures regard drinking cold water as a significant health risk for everyone, there isn’t a lot of research to support that claim. There are plenty of benefits to drinking warm water, though.
As for the benefits of drinking cold water? They turn out to be the same benefits of drinking regular room-temperature water: keeping you hydrated and feeling refreshed.
If you’re concerned about your digestion, trying to maintain a moderate weight, or feeling like you might be consistently dehydrated, speak with your doctor to make a plan.
As a seasoned health and wellness enthusiast with a strong foundation in the field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. My expertise spans various aspects of nutrition, hydration, and their impact on physical and mental well-being. Having delved deep into scientific literature and staying abreast of the latest research, I am well-equipped to provide insights into the article you've presented.
Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
1. Hydration Recommendations:
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends daily water intake:
- Men (19 and older): 3.7 liters (15.5 cups)
- Women (19 and older): 2.7 liters (11.5 cups)
2. Temperature of Water:
- Cold vs. Room Temperature: No evidence suggests that drinking cold water is detrimental to health. Both cold and room-temperature water effectively keep you hydrated.
3. Beliefs and Perceptions:
- Digestion Concerns: Some believe that drinking cold water contracts the stomach, potentially affecting digestion after a meal. However, the article notes the lack of substantial evidence to support this claim.
4. Risks of Drinking Cold Water:
- Respiratory Tract: A study from 1978 suggests that cold water may make nasal mucous thicker, impacting the respiratory tract.
- Migraine and Achalasia: Cold water is linked to triggering migraines in some individuals. For those with achalasia, a condition limiting food passage through the esophagus, cold water with meals may worsen the condition.
5. Cultural and Traditional Perspectives:
- Chinese Medicine: Traditional Chinese medicine associates drinking cold water with creating an imbalance, especially when consumed with hot food. Similar beliefs exist in other cultures.
6. Benefits of Drinking Cold Water:
- Exercise: Cold water during exercise helps prevent overheating and enhances workout sessions.
- Weight Loss: While not a powerful weight loss tool, drinking cold water may slightly increase calorie burn during digestion.
7. Comparison with Warm or Hot Water:
- Digestion and Toxin Removal: Warm water is believed to aid digestion, improve circulation, and facilitate faster toxin removal.
- Thirst Reduction: Drinking warm water may make you less thirsty, potentially affecting hydration on hot days.
8. Takeaway:
- Individual Considerations: People with certain conditions, such as a cold, flu, or slow digestion, may want to avoid cold water.
- Consultation with a Doctor: Concerns about digestion, weight, or hydration should prompt consultation with a healthcare professional to create a personalized plan.
In summary, the article explores various perspectives on drinking cold water, highlighting potential risks and benefits. As with many health-related topics, individual factors and preferences play a crucial role in determining what works best for each person.
