Cold Water Vs Warm Water – Which One Should You Drink?

Introduction

During the summer months, many people choose to add cold water to room-temperature water to quickly quench their thirst. However, medical professionals generally advise against drinking cold water, even if it feels refreshing. Instead, lukewarm or warm water is recommended, as it is believed to support digestion and overall well-being, which is why health-conscious individuals often prefer it. 

Benefits Of Drinking Warm Water

Water offers numerous health benefits and plays a vital role in maintaining overall well-being. It supports essential bodily functions and helps protect against various illnesses. When consumed warm, its positive effects are often enhanced, potentially aiding digestion and circulation more effectively. 

• Drinking lukewarm water may aid digestion by helping to break down food more efficiently, thereby promoting better absorption of nutrients. It also helps prevent dehydration¹. 
• Warm water can support healthy bowel movements, potentially reducing the risk of constipation and related complications such as piles or haemorrhoids². 
• Consuming warm water may slightly raise body temperature, which in turn may help boost metabolism. A more active metabolism supports more efficient energy use³. 
• Lukewarm water can promote mild perspiration, helping the body to release toxins through the skin⁴. 
• Warm water may help dilate blood vessels slightly, which can improve circulation. Better circulation ensures that oxygen and nutrients are effectively delivered throughout the body⁵. 
• Improved circulation from warm water intake can ease mild muscle and joint discomfort. However, extremely hot water should be avoided, as it may worsen inflammation⁶.  
• Slightly warm, boiled water can help loosen mucus, offering relief from nasal congestion during a cold⁷. 
• Drinking warm water may have a calming effect on the nervous system, contributing to reduced feelings of stress and tension. 

According to some studies⁸, consuming hot coffee in moderation may be linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and type 2 diabetes, potentially contributing to increased life expectancy. However, it is important to note that excessive consumption of coffee is not advised.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

The Best Time to Drink Warm Water

One of the best times to drink a glass of warm water is first thing in the morning, as it helps give your metabolism an early boost. Another beneficial time to have warm water is during meals, as it aids digestion and supports the proper functioning of internal organs. Additionally, drinking warm water throughout the day can promote healthy blood flow and circulation. 

An ice cream headache, also known as a cold-stimulus headache, is a well-known type of headache. Such headaches are often reported to precede migraines. Research⁹ suggests that drinking cold water may trigger headaches, with migraines being among the most commonly observed, particularly in women. 

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Benefits of Drinking Cold Water

Perhaps the most significant benefit of drinking a glass of cold water is its ability to help lower your body temperature. This is particularly useful in situations such as the following: 

• After sweating  cold water can provide a refreshing way to rehydrate. 
• Drinking cold water may help cool the body when fighting fever caused by foreign substances. 
• Consuming cold water can reduce excessive sweating, thereby helping to prevent further dehydration. 
• Cold water may also support weight management, as it is known to stimulate metabolism. 

The most appropriate time to drink cold water is when you need to lower your body’s core temperature. Other suitable situations include during a high fever or to rehydrate after physical exercise. 

Water may provide temporary relief from heat but can cause other issues, such as: 

• Drinking cold water can slow down digestion and reduce your metabolic rate. 
• It may increase the likelihood of nasal congestion and sore throat. 
• Cold water can lower your heart rate. 

For these reasons, it is advisable to choose water that is slightly warm, no matter how tempting cold water may appear. If warm water is unpalatable, you may enhance its flavour by adding lime juice or herbs such as tulsi. 

Conclusion

While cold water can help cool the body in certain situations, warm water generally offers greater health benefits by aiding digestion, circulation, and detoxification. Choosing lukewarm water supports overall well-being and helps prevent common discomforts associated with cold water. Enhancing warm water with natural flavours can make it a pleasant and healthful choice. 

References

1. Fujihira K, Hamada Y, Yanaoka T, Yamamoto R, Suzuki K, Miyashita M. The effects of water temperature on gastric motility and energy intake in healthy young men. Eur J Nutr. 2020 Feb;59(1):103-109. doi: 10.1007/s00394-018-1888-6. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7000532/  
2. Çalişkan N, Bulut H, Konan A. The Effect of Warm Water Intake on Bowel Movements in the Early Postoperative Stage of Patients Having Undergone Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Gastroenterol Nurs. 2016 Sep-Oct;39(5):340-7. doi: 10.1097/SGA.0000000000000181.  Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27684632/  
3. Vij VA, Joshi AS. Effect of ‘water induced thermogenesis’ on body weight, body mass index and body composition of overweight subjects. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Sep;7(9):1894-6. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2013/5862.3344. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3809630/  
4. Hosseinlou A, Khamnei S, Zamanlu M. The effect of water temperature and voluntary drinking on the post rehydration sweating. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2013 Sep 1;6(8):683-7. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3762624/
5. Sugawara J, Tomoto T. Acute Effects of Short-Term Warm Water Immersion on Arterial Stiffness and Central Hemodynamics. Front Physiol. 2021 Feb 4;12:620201. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.620201. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7890244/  
6. Lee H, Kim JJ, Min BH, Lee JH, Kim YH, Chang DK, Kim JY, Rhee PL, Rhee JC. Effectiveness of warm water consumption to reduce patient discomfort during colonoscopy: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Gastroenterol. 2009 Dec;104(12):2935-41. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2009.429. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19638968/  
7. Saketkhoo K, Januszkiewicz A, Sackner MA. Effects of drinking hot water, cold water, and chicken soup on nasal mucus velocity and nasal airflow resistance. Chest. 1978 Oct;74(4):408-10. doi: 10.1378/chest.74.4.408. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/359266/  
8. Harvard Health Publishing. The latest scoop on the health benefits of coffee [Internet]. Boston: Harvard Health Blog; 2017 Sep 25 [cited 2025 Aug 8]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-latest-scoop-on-the-health-benefits-of-coffee-2017092512429
9. Mattsson P. Headache caused by drinking cold water is common and related to active migraine. Cephalalgia. 2001 Apr;21(3):230–235. doi:10.1046/j.1468-2982.2001.00211.x. PMID: 11442559. Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1046/j.1468-2982.2001.00211.x

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof. 

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