What Are The Risks And Benefits Of Drinking Cold Water?
Drinking water is essential for staying hydrated and healthy, but does the temperature of the water matter? Some people prefer drinking cold water, especially on hot days or after a workout, while others avoid it for various reasons. In this article, we will explore the possible risks and benefits of drinking cold water, and whether it is better than drinking warm or room-temperature water.
Risks of Drinking Cold Water
Drinking cold water may have some negative effects on your body and health, such as:
- Thickening nasal mucus: According to a small study from 1978Â , drinking cold water can make your nasal mucus thicker and harder to pass through your respiratory tract. This can lead to congestion and difficulty breathing, especially if you have a cold or flu.
- Triggering headaches: A study from 2001Â found that drinking ice-cold water through a straw can cause headaches in some people, especially those who suffer from migraines. The researchers suggested that the cold water may stimulate a nerve in the upper palate that triggers pain signals to the brain.
- Worsening achalasia symptoms: Achalasia is a rare condition that affects the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow food and drink. A study from 2012 found that drinking cold water can aggravate the symptoms of achalasia, while drinking hot water can help relax the esophagus and ease swallowing.
- Slowing digestion: Some people believe that drinking cold water can interfere with digestion, as it contracts the stomach and makes it harder to break down food. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support this claim.
Benefits of Drinking Cold Water
Drinking cold water may also have some positive effects on your body and health, such as:
- Cooling down your body: A study from 2013 found that drinking cold water during exercise can help prevent your body from overheating and improve your performance. The researchers suggested that drinking cold water can lower your core body temperature and reduce sweating.
- Increasing your metabolism: Some studies have suggested that drinking cold water can boost your metabolism, as your body has to expend more energy to warm up the water. This can lead to more calories burned and weight loss over time.
- Enhancing your mood: Drinking cold water on a hot day can also improve your mood and mental state, as it can refresh and energize you. A study from 2014 found that drinking cold water can reduce thirst, fatigue, and irritability in healthy adults.
Cold vs. Warm Water
So, is drinking cold water better than drinking warm or room-temperature water? The answer depends on your personal preference and situation. Both types of water can keep you hydrated and benefit your health in different ways. However, some people may want to avoid drinking cold water in certain cases, such as when they have a respiratory infection, a headache, or achalasia. On the other hand, some people may want to drink cold water when they are exercising, feeling hot, or trying to lose weight.
The bottom line is that there is no definitive evidence that drinking cold water is bad or good for you. The most important thing is to drink enough water every day to meet your hydration needs and support your overall health.
FAQ
Q: What is the recommended amount of water to drink per day?
A: The recommended amount of water to drink per day varies depending on your age, gender, activity level, climate, and health status. However, a general guideline is to drink about 2.7 liters (11.5 cups) of water per day for women and 3.7 liters (15.5 cups) of water per day for men .
Q: What are the signs of dehydration?
A: Some of the signs of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, dizziness, confusion, dark urine, and reduced urine output. If you experience any of these signs, you should drink more water or seek medical attention if necessary.
Q: What are the benefits of drinking warm or hot water?
A: Drinking warm or hot water may have some benefits such as soothing sore throat, easing digestion, detoxifying the body, relieving nasal congestion, improving blood circulation, and relaxing muscles. However, you should be careful not to drink water that is too hot, as it can burn your mouth or esophagus.
