Water is one of the most essential substances in our lives. It is needed by our organs to function well. It is important in regulating body temperature, helping brains to function, and flushing our waste from the body.
Many practitioners believed that water temperature affects the way our digestive system functions.
Martha Soffer, Surya Spa founder says that:
“Cold water actually slows down the entire digestive system by constricting blood flow to the stomach and intestines and slowing enzyme secretion, which in turns causes lymphatic stagnation and a slower metabolism.”
“Room temperature and warm water, however, have the opposite effect, helping increase circulation to your digestive system and stimulating your ‘Agni’, or digestive fire.”
Furthermore, Soffer added that:
“Room temperature and warm water are also absorbed more quickly into your system, which means they keep you more hydrated throughout your day.”
According to Sahara Rose, an Ayurveda expert and author of the modern Ayurvedic cookbook “Eat Feel Fresh,” the belief that water temperature matters originate from Ayurveda. Our body’s internal temperature is 98 F. Therefore, to have better absorption, Ayurvedic practitioners recommend drinking water at a similar temperature. Drinking only warm water or tea to “keep digestion at its optimal state.”
Additionally, Dr. Amy Shah, who studied at Columbia University and Harvard University, explained that cold water may only affect absorption and tighten the blood vessels while warm water makes the vessels more dilated.
Aside from these, there were also several studies showing how warm water can heal health problems. Some of them are listed below:
Achalasia is a condition wherein the body has a limited ability to pass food and liquid via the esophagus. According to a study published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, drinking cold water (instead of warm water) while eating only intensifies the pain associated with achalasia.
In a study published in the journal Chest, a team of researchers has found that volunteers with nasal mucus who consumed chicken soup and hot water were able to breathe easier. Meanwhile, the cold-water consuming group made nasal mucus thicker and more difficult to pass through the respiratory tract.
Results of a 2001 study in Cephalalgia: An International Journal of Headache showed that some health problems can only be worsened by cold water consumption. For instance, in people who already experience migraines, drinking cold water may only trigger this type of headache.
Other Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Water
Here are some of the positive health effects of drinking warm water.
Helps Promote Weight Loss
Drinking warm water and lemon in the morning helps our body burn more calories throughout the day. The hot water will clean our intestines to prevent bloating, thereby flushing out those excess water weight in our body.
A Great Natural Pain Reliever
A glass of warm water before going to bed has a soothing effect on our body. It will increase blood flow to our tissues, allow our muscles to relax, help us fall asleep faster, and make as more rejuvenated the next day. According to cardiologist Luiza Petre, MD, warm water can help with all kinds of pains, such as muscle cramps and joint aches.
It Helps Prevent Premature Aging
Toxins are one of the reasons why we age prematurely. When these toxins accumulate in our body, we become prone to aging and several illnesses. Aside from getting rid of toxins from our body, warm water also increases the elasticity of our skin and repair skin cells.
Hot water is a perfect medium for steeping teas, spices, and herbs. Try it now to enjoy its numerous health benefits.
