Medical experts always recommend drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water every day for your physical and mental health. But does drinking cold water regularly affect your health negatively? Just like everything else in this world, research suggests that there are a few risks and benefits of drinking cold water. We will take a deeper look at it in this article to find out what they are. Scroll down to read more!

In This Article

Why Can Cold Water Be Bad For You?

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StyleCraze SaysDrinking chilled water at one go can cause brain freeze and trigger severe headaches and sinus issues.

Many believe that drinking cold water may do more harm than good. It is said that cold water may cause your stomach to contract, making the digestion process difficult. Some individuals also believe that their body will have to work harder to maintain the optimal inner temperature (37°C) if they drink water at 4°C or less.

But how much of this is true? In the following section, we will look at what research states.

Research

In a small study published in Chest, cold water intake was found to make nasal mucus thicker, making it difficult to pass through the respiratory tract. Alternately, consuming hot water (or hot beverages, like chicken soup) was observed to make breathing easier. Cold water was also found to aggravate congestion in individuals with cold or flu (1).

StyleCraze SaysGargle with warm salt water to relieve sore throat and manage upper respiratory tract infection.

In another study, drinking cold water was linked to migrainesⁱ  XA neurological condition characterized as a type of severe headache that causes intense pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light. in people with a history of the condition (2). Cold water intake may also aggravate the pain associated with achalasia (a condition that makes it difficult for food to pass through the esophagus) (3).

According to Chinese medicine, drinking cold water with meals is believed to create an imbalance within the body. Hence, meals from the Chinese culture (and several other cultures) are served with warm water.

Another popular belief is that drinking cold water doesn’t necessarily help cool your body on a hot summer day. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence in this regard.

Though cold water appears to do more harm, it does have certain benefits.

Benefits Of Drinking Cold Water

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1. Balances Body Temperature Post Workout

Drinking cold water can prevent your body from overheating after a rigorous workout session. The intake of cold water makes it easier for your body to maintain a lower core temperature (4).

Related: 5 Health Benefits Of Drinking Cold Water & Risks

2. May Provide Energy

Coldwater may also provide your body with more energy throughout the day. However, concrete research is lacking in this aspect.

3. May Promote Energy Expenditure In Overweight Children

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It is common knowledge that drinking water can aid digestion. It may also help with weight maintenance. Drinking cold water has been found to increase resting energy expenditureⁱ  XNumber of calories burned by the body during the interprandial state (the resting period between meals). in overweight children (5).

Coldwater intake alone may not aid weight loss. It may, however, jump-start the process.

Related: 15 Best Remedies To Lose Weight Naturally In 2 Weeks

These are some advantages of drinking cold water. But does it mean that cold water is the way to go? How about warm water?

Is Warm (Or Hot) Water Better Than Cold Water?

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Drinking warm water has its pros and cons. Warm water can aid digestion, improve circulation, and help your body get rid of toxins faster (6). But drinking warm water may make you less thirsty. This could be a problem in the hot temperatures as your body tends to lose more water through sweating.

Related: 8 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits Of Drinking Hot Water

Coldwater, in general, can keep you hydrated. However, cold water may not be a great idea when you have the cold or flu as it may slow down recovery. Cold water may also slow down digestion in adults.

You can take a few sips of cold water after a rigorous workout. But after a heavy meal (or when you have the flu), hot/warm water could be your best bet.

Infographic: Alternatives To Drinking Cold Water

While you may choose to drink cold water as per your health requirement and personal preference, sometimes, it may seem too dull to have it all through the day. You can spice up things by replacing cold water with other homemade beverages to keep up your hydration levels. Have a look at the infographic below and know your options.

With the above benefits of drinking cold water, you may want to make it a habit for yourself. While it may seem to help boost energy and balance the body temperature, it can also lead to migraine and digestive issues. On the other hand, while drinking warm water can help boost digestion, improve circulation, and help detox the body, it may make you less thirsty leading to chances of dehydration in hot and humid places. So depending on the place, weather, and your health conditions, you may prefer one over the other.

Though cold water inherently is not bad, it may cause issues in some people. Hence, check your health and the time of the day (or the season) to decide what works best for you.