Cold vs Warm Water: What’s Best for Digestion and Metabolism?

Water, that precious liquid we drink multiple times a day-sometimes on the rocks, sometimes with lemon in hot water, or straight from the tap Cold vs Warm Water. And have you ever thought whether water temperature impacts our health? Cold water-will it cool our body or is it harmful to it? Hot water-does it really aid digestion, or is it an old wives’ tale? In trying to answer this question, we focused on what Dr. Brian Weiner (gastroenterologist) had to say on the issue.

How cold is cold water?

This sounds funny, but cold water does have its limits. Icy water from the fridge, according to Dr. Weiner, amounts to about 5 degrees Celsius (41°F). On the other hand, cold tap water is around 15.5 degrees Celsius. Room temperature water, on the contrary, can go up to 25.5 degrees Celsius or 78°F.

That is, what we call “cold” water also has scientific classification and can have various effects on our body.

Any good drinking cold water?

You would think there must be dozens of studies about it, but according to Dr. Weiner, very few scientific studies have been undertaken. He believes water intake is a necessity, regardless of temperature; yet cold water enhances some special considerations.

Athletes in particular tend to favor the cold tap water, as it cools the body quickly. While an athlete sweats profusely, his body subconsciously recognizes the temperature of the water and the reflex is quickly triggered by cold water; thus, rejuvenating the body.

Does ice or cold water also exercise calorie-burning?

Definitely yes! Dr. Weiner’s research shows that a body would spend up to 5 calories to literally melt 1 ounce of ice into body temperature. Not really huge numbers, but if you are a regular ice-eater (or stuff like Italian ice), that would be a minimal calorie-burning option.

Hot Water and Health: The Truth or Mere Folklore?

With respect to hot water, people say it aids digestion, is very helpful for constipation, and soothes colds. Says Dr. Weiner, the scientific evidence is pretty scanty.

Sure, for a little while, hot steam might do wonders to unclog your nose when you have a cold. Like when your mom gives you hot chicken soup on a winter day, emotionally lifting but not a remedy for anything.

Says Dr. Weiner, “While hot drinks may comfort you mentally and emotionally, they really do not impart any healing with the physical body.”

Is Hot Water Good For Certain Conditions?

In this condition-called achalasia-the esophagus fails to act properly and food cannot pass down into the stomach.

Studies have found warmth and heat relaxation to LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) that eases swallowing, and cold water precipitates symptom aggravation for these kinds of patients.

This means there is no one perfect temperature for all. It will depend on the set of needs for your body.

So which water is healthier to drink?

Now then, it boils down to the question: Should we be drinking cold or hot water? To that, Dr. Weiner’s answer is crystal clear: “All down to personal preference.”

If you have been exercising, walking in from outside, or just out and about in hot weather-cold water would serve as instant physiologic relief for your body.

However, hot water will help even better if you have the cold, are nursing a sore throat, or just want to calm your mind.

Nonetheless, drinking water is what matters-the most important of all.

Conclusion: Drink water regardless of how one likes it

Water is one of the most essential needs of life, its temperature can sometimes influence our health. While cold water refreshes the system instantaneously right after the scorching weather or exercise, hot water can be calming and soothing in some situations.

However, scientifically, there has not yet been enough evidence to clearly put forward that cold water is better or hot water is better. Drinking water is the most important. Whether with ice, lemon, or straight from the tap.

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