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Warm Water vs. Cold Water: What’s Better?

warm water vs cold water
Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / IamNotPerfect

Staying hydrated is key to staying healthy, but when is warm water better to drink than cold? Read on to learn how to know when to drink warm water vs. cold water.

Drinking enough water is vital to keeping the body running smoothly, but does the temperature of the water affect how the body utilizes it? Read on to learn the benefits and risks associated with drinking cold vs. warm and hot water.

When Should You Drink Warm vs. Cold Water?

Cold water is faster at hydrating your body, but warm water has other benefits.
Cold water is faster at hydrating your body, but warm water has other benefits.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Ri_Ya)

Water temperature does impact how the body uses it, but studies have not found concrete evidence that one or the other will greatly affect the body. What has been proven is that warm water and cold water can help the body do different things.

Cold Water Benefits

  • Warmer climates: Cold water may feel nice during warmer months and can help bring the body’s temperature down.
  • Exercising: It can also improve endurance and performance during exercise. Studies have shown that the optimal temperature of water after exercise for hydration is the same as cool tap water. Hydrating after exercise is crucial, particularly for your electrolyte counts. 
  • Fever-Reducing: If you have a fever, colder water may help bring down your body temperature. 

Warm Water Benefits

  • Circulation: Drinking warm water may help circulation, as it can temporarily open veins for better blood flow.
  • Digestion: Warm water also aids digestion, as it is easier for the body to process than cold, and can aid bowel movements. 
  • Toxin-Reducing: Warmer temperature in your drinking water may help rid the body of toxins better than cold water.

Metabolism: Studies show that drinking water in the morning can help kickstart your metabolism. You’ll expend a little more energy when drinking cold water, as the body has to heat that up to body termperature, rather than warm water. When trying to lose weight, drinking cold water therefore can help out a little, too.

What are the Potential Risks of Drinking Cold vs. Warm Water?

Avoid cold water if you have migraines, or are congested and go for warm instead!
Avoid cold water if you have migraines, or are congested and go for warm instead!
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / ds_30)

Drinking cold water may make mucus thicker within the body, but warm water (or soup) can improve congestion and open air pathways. 

Those that suffer from migraines may find that drinking cold water aggravates them, and should avoid drinking cold water when they have head pain. 

Similarly, those that suffer from achalasia, a disorder of the esophagus’ entrance, should also avoid drinking cold water as it has been shown to aggravate the esophagus. 

Drinking warm or hot water might also make you less thirsty, which can be dangerous if you are in a warmer climate where they may be a risk of dehydration. 

Read on:

Important Information regarding Health-related Topics.

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