As you know, staying hydrated is absolutely essential to human health and well-being. You need water to survive, even more so than food. This is because all of the cells, tissues, and organs in your body require water to function. You simply can’t live without drinking water. But does the temperature of the water you drink make any difference? Are there different benefits to drinking hot water? Or even warm water?
Read on to learn what impact drinking cold water vs. hot or warm water might have on your health.
Potential Benefits Of Drinking Warm Or Hot Water
Now, it seems popular at the moment to drink hot water. But what are the benefits of drinking hot water? As it turns out, sometimes, a little heat can be good for the body. For example, sipping hot water may have an impact on…
1. Digestion and Bowel Movements
Warm water has shown to have a positive impact on the stomach, intestines, digestive tract, and especially on bowel movements.1 Constipation is often related to dehydration. So, drinking warm water can essentially have a double beneficial effect on your bowels.2
2. Weight Loss
Drinking hot water might just help with weight loss. That’s according to researchers who found that drinking two cups of water – warmed to 98.6 F – before a meal, increased adipose tissue metabolism almost twice as well as cold water.3
3. Nasal Congestion
Drinking hot fluids might be a better choice than cold water if you’re fighting a cold or other upper respiratory infections. Studies show hot water may help to increase the movement of nasal mucus.4 When dealing with a sore throat, hot water may be more soothing than cold.
4. Blood Flow And Sore Muscles
Hot water helps expand blood vessels. This can support healthy blood circulation to the muscles. If you’re dealing with sore muscles, this could be helpful in relaxing tight muscles (hello, hot bath).
5. Stress Levels
The warmth and comfort of the hot water moving down into your stomach may help you to relax.6
6. Menstrual Cramps
According to OB/GYNs, drinking a warm beverage may help to soothe that cramping discomfort from the inside.7
7. Skin and Hair
Well-hydrated skin is essential for glowing skin cells and healthy hair, giving you the upper hand when it comes to premature aging – no matter what temperature of water you drink.
If you really want to reap the beauty benefits, pop some lemon slices in hot water. The vitamin C from the lemons can help support natural collagen production and fight off free radicals.8
Are You Drinking Enough Water?
Let’s be clear on one thing: drinking water, no matter the temperature, is quite literally a lifesaver.
All of your major organs are made up of water. Your brain and heart are composed of 73 percent water; your lungs around 83 percent; your skin, 65 percent; and your muscles and kidneys, 79 percent.9
Water also helps to rid the body of toxins by flushing out your system through the process of urination. Thanks to the kidneys, toxins are removed from the blood and flushed out as urine. Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys to do this, preventing toxins from building up in the body.10
So, whether you’re drinking cold water, warm water, or hot water, make sure you are you drinking enough water. And remember, you don’t have to just drink warm water on its own.
Liven up your taste buds with some fresh lemon slices and a squirt of honey. In addition to vitamin C, lemons also contain pectin fiber, which is wonderful for digestion.11
One of the best ways to ensure that you’re drinking enough water is to carry around a reusable water bottle in your bag. That way, you’ll be reminded to drink water throughout the day and you can stay hydrated on the go.
Learn More:
Benefits Of Taking 15 Minute Breaks At Work
Seniors Activity Ideas That Are Enjoyable For Anyone
5 Gentle Exercises To Soothe Your Lower Back
Sources
1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27684632
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14681719
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14671205
4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/359266
5.https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-china-hot-water-20160313-story.html
6.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs002130050438?LI=true
7.https://www.self.com/story/how-gynecologists-deal-with-period-cramps
8.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
9.http://www.jbc.org/content/158/3/625.short
10.https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/pee.html
11. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-lemon-health-benefits