Hot Water vs Cold Water, Which is Better for the Body?

JAKARTA - Lately, influencers have started drinking warm water, with the claim that it provides many health benefits, including better digestion.

TikTok user @roro_youraznbigsis, for example, said warm water was part of his pre-bedtime routine to help him sleep.

Pain treatment specialist @doctorsood said drinking warm water can increase metabolism and blood flow. So, should you also start drinking warm water?

According to Zachary Mulvihill, MD, an integrative medicine specialist in New York, drinking warm water instead of cold water is recommended for a variety of health reasons, especially to improve digestion, both in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda.

In Eastern medicine, digestion is seen as the 'fire in the body' and everything, including water, must be digested.

In this view, warm water is considered easier to digest. Conversely, cold water is considered heavier or more difficult to digest, especially if it comes from the refrigerator or contains ice.

In TCM, the concepts of hot and cold properties have been used for thousands of years to treat various diseases. Many diseases are viewed as imbalances in the body, and warmth is thought to help balance them.

TCM also considers warm water beneficial for sore throats, weight loss, swelling, and dehydration. Western medicine sees water as essential for digestion, helping break down food to produce energy and nutrients and soften stools to prevent constipation.

A small number of studies in humans and animals suggest that drinking warm water can help relax the muscles of the digestive tract and keep the digestive process running smoothly. Warm water can also support a healthy gut environment and regular bowel movements.

"I think switching to warm water will be very helpful, especially for patients who experience bloating, because that is usually a sign that the body has difficulty digesting the last meal," said Mulvihill, quoted from the Everyday Health page.

Drinking warm water can also help with swallowing problems and some types of stomach pain, but research has not provided strong evidence that this actually significantly improves digestion.

Drinking water is essential for health. Water helps the body produce tears, saliva, sweat, and other fluids. Water also helps remove waste, maintain fluid balance, regulate body temperature, and support various other body functions. However, research has not shown strong evidence that water temperature makes a big difference.

A small study in India found that people who drank warm water after eating lost more weight over three months than those who drank room temperature water. However, more research is needed.

Warm drinks, including water, are often used as a home remedy for colds and colds. A small study showed that people reported milder symptoms after drinking warm drinks, such as reduced runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, cold sensation, and fatigue. Warm fluids can also help loosen mucus and soothe the throat, thereby reducing coughing.

The body needs enough fluids for all organs to work properly and to remove toxins through urine and sweat.

Western medicine has not found a link between drinking cold or ice water and adverse health effects.

It's hard to determine whether warm water is better than cold water for hydration. However, if you still feel thirsty after drinking a lot of cold water, trying warm water or tea can be an option.

Drink Warm Water in the Morning or Before Bed?

The best time to drink warm water is in the morning on an empty stomach after brushing your teeth.

This way can help the kidneys and intestines remove metabolic toxins from the body. Drinking a large glass of warm water can also stimulate bowel movements, which is important for people who experience constipation.

If the urine is dark or cloudy, it can be a sign of dehydration, and it is recommended to drink warm water until the urine becomes clearer.

However, it is recommended not to drink liquids one or two hours before going to bed because it can make you wake up at night to urinate and disrupt sleep.

How to Safely Drink Warm Water

The water should be warm, not too hot. The recommended temperature is around 37-54 ° C. Too hot temperatures can hurt the mouth or throat. If you don't have a thermometer, boil the water and let it cool down to a comfortable temperature to drink. You can also add room temperature water to cool it quickly.

Always taste a little first or test with your fingers to make sure it's not too hot.

If you don't like regular warm water, you can add lemon or make herbal tea without caffeine. There is no harm in increasing water intake, but make sure the temperature is comfortable and does not burn your mouth.