We’ve all experienced the sensation of being completely thirsty on a hot summer day. A flood of relief washes over you as you grab an ice-cold glass of water and take a sip. However, have you ever considered the health benefits or drawbacks of drinking cold water?
Even our ayurvedic texts favor warm or room temperature water over cold water, believing them to be great for the digestive system.
So is drinking cold water bad for your body? Let’s find out!
Here, we’ll go into great detail about the health benefits, negative impacts, and effects of drinking cold water. So get yourself a drink of water and let’s get started!
What drawbacks come with consuming cold water?
Even while we frequently think of cold water as refreshing, there may be some drawbacks to drinking too much of it, according to studies. Here are a few reasons why:
It might affect digestion
First of all, drinking cold water may occasionally result in digestive problems. Our bodies, especially our digestive systems, may suffer when we drink ice-cold water. Consuming cold water slows digestion since it causes our blood vessels to contract. Numerous unpleasant symptoms, including bloating, cramps, and even constipation, may result from this.
It may cause the production of mucous to rise
Cold water consumption increases mucus production, worsening cold and flu symptoms. This is because the blood vessels in the nose and neck constrict when exposed to cold water, which reduces blood flow and the capacity of the immune system to fight against infections. In an attempt to shield the respiratory tract from the cold shock, the body may react to the cold water by producing more mucus. Cold and flu symptoms may worsen due to the germs and viruses that can thrive in this extra mucus.
Its long-term consumption may result in Achalasia
A rare medical disorder called achalasia impacts the oesophagus, the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Because of the disease, food and liquids have a hard time getting to the stomach. It is believed that cold water damages the oesophageal nerves, which can cause this illness to develop.
Tooth sensitivity
Yes, your teeth will suffer from cold water. Too much cold food weakens dental enamel, which can cause decay and discomfort over time. Therefore, exercise extra caution the next time you down an ice-cold beverage.
What Advantages Does Drinking Cold Water Offer?
We covered the drawbacks of drinking cold water in the preceding section. However, did you realise that it can also have some advantages? Cold water is a terrific option for staying hydrated because it can benefit some people’s bodies and minds. Let’s have a look at some of them:
A great post-workout drink
For all the gym-goers, here is some good news! Drinking cold water after a workout can be incredibly refreshing and beneficial for your body. Your body temperature rises as you exercise, and drinking cold water can help regulate it. Your recovery can be greatly accelerated by using cold water to assist in minimising inflammation in your joints and muscles. You may rapidly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes by rehydrating your body with cold water, improving your performance in subsequent sessions. Remember to carry a bottle of cold water with you the next time you hit the gym or go for a run – It will help you cool down and recover faster!
Can help bring down inflammation and pain
Drinking cold water has been found to have a soothing effect on pain. This is because cold water can help lower bodily oedema and inflammation. It reduces inflammation and pain by narrowing blood vessels and lowering blood flow to the afflicted area. Additionally, numbing the area with cold water can provide momentary pain relief. Since cold water can instantly reduce discomfort, this can be especially beneficial for those who have headaches or migraines.
Replace your coffee with cold water for a quick burst of energy
Drinking a glass of cold water can be a great way to awaken your senses and feel more alert. Your body must use more effort to get cold water up to your body temperature. Your heart rate rises as a result, providing you with a surge of vitality. Try sipping a glass of cold water the next time you’re feeling lethargic and need a quick boost to get your energy and attention back!
Can Drinking Cold Water Help You Lose Weight?
The scientific community still debates cold water’s role in weight loss. However, some studies have shown a correlation between cold water and weight loss. When you sip cold water, what happens? More calories are burned because your body must work harder to raise the water’s core temperature. Your body burns calories more quickly due to this increase in metabolism.
The ability to reduce appetite is another benefit of drinking cold water. This is because cold water stays in your stomach longer, causing you to feel fuller for longer. It has been demonstrated that consuming a glass of cold water before meals can decrease the quantity of food ingested during meals. Including cold water in your weight reduction regimen might be an easy and efficient strategy to help you lose weight.
It’s crucial to remember that while drinking cold water can help you lose weight, it shouldn’t be your only strategy. Maintaining a healthy weight still requires frequent exercise and a balanced diet.
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Conclusion
What is the answer, then? We’re not suggesting that you stop using cold water completely, but you should pay attention to the temperature and try not to use too many ice cubes. This will not only make your metabolism and digestive system smoother, but it will also help you keep hydrated better.
