What Happens When You Drink Cold Water?

Have you ever questioned whether cold water consumption benefits or harms your health? Over the years, there has been much discussion about this subject. Some people swear by the cool, refreshing chill that helps them calm down, but others say it can be more harmful than beneficial.

The truth is that the temperature of the water can influence our bodies’ reactions. Does drinking cold water help you stay more hydrated, or are there any unintended consequences?

The consequences of drinking cold water are frequently misinterpreted, ranging from increased alertness to possible intestinal problems. This article will help you determine whether drinking cold water is the best option for your health by examining its unexpected advantages and potential disadvantages. So, is it unhealthy to drink cold water? Let’s get started and discover!

Read More: Healthy Hydration: 6 Insulated Water Bottles to Keep Your Drinks Hot or Cold All Day

Is It Bad To Drink Cold Water?

The Indian Ayurvedic medical traditions state that cold water might slow digestion and induce bodily imbalances. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that after drinking cold water, the body must use more energy to return to its core temperature of approximately 98.6°F.

Western medicine does not provide much solid proof that cold water is harmful to the body or digestion. People with specific medical issues need to consider the drawbacks of cold water. Those with compromised immune systems may experience weakened immunity as a result, and individuals in emergency situations who cannot maintain a healthy core body temperature may experience worsening “cold stress.”

Cold water can cause blood arteries to narrow, raising the dangers for people with high blood pressure. Drinking cold water can be highly uncomfortable for people with certain medical disorders, such as achalasia and tooth sensitivity.

However, according to a survey, 79% of people interviewed preferred drinking cold water because it feels refreshing, especially on hot days or after working out.

Are There Any Advantages Of Drinking Cold Water?

Although no serious long-term health dangers are associated with warm or chilled water, each temperature has its own benefits. Knowing these practical and physiological benefits of drinking water might help you choose the best water source for your future needs.

Keeps you Hydrated: Compared to warm water, cold water is more pleasant and may help you consume more water overall. Two other benefits of cold water are reducing sweating and lowering the chance of dehydration.

Better Brain Function: If drinking cold water means you drink more water, then it could help improve your brain function. Adequate hydration is necessary for proper brain function. Even minor dehydration can be harmful – impacting focus, attentiveness, and memory – reducing your overall productivity and efficiency. However, increasing your water intake can rapidly enhance your cognitive skills, assisting you in maintaining your best possible health and concentration.

Detoxifies your Body: Cold water is said to be a very efficient detoxifier. It eliminates toxins and avoids their buildup, which can negatively impact your health. However, it’s essential to be adequately hydrated to get detoxification benefits.

Encourages Glowing Skin: The advantages of cold water therapy for the skin are well known. By soaking your face in ice water, you can minimize redness, swelling, and puffiness, tighten your pores, and improve the overall appearance of your skin. Cold water can, therefore, support skin health in several ways. Drinking cold water helps reduce pore size and gives you a more natural glow.

Controls Body Temperature: Water is generally very good at controlling your core temperature, even though there are worries about how cold water may affect it. It could be particularly true when exercising, when the temperature is high, or when you have a fever. Knowing the perfect water temperature for different circumstances is crucial to maintaining proper balance and keeping your body comfortable.

Read More: Hydration Infusions: Creative Ways to Enhance Your Water Intake

What Happens When You Drink Cold Water?

There may be some disadvantages to drinking cold water, though further research is required to support these claims.

The main worry is that drinking cold water could make several medical issues worse, such as:

Irritation of the Throat: Drinking cold water may cause irritation or tightness in the throat for certain people, especially those with sensitive throats or who are prone to tonsillitis. This might cause bronchospasm, a momentary constriction of the airways that occurs when you eat anything cold.

Impact Digestion: Cold water consumption can sometimes cause digestive issues. When we drink ice-cold water, our digestive systems may suffer. Our blood vessels constrict when we drink cold water, slowing digestion. It can lead to several unpleasant symptoms, such as cramping, bloating, and even constipation.

Migraine Triggers: Cold water may cause headaches for those prone to them. The rapid chilling and reheating of the throat and palate’s blood vessels is believed to cause it.

May Increase Mucus Production: Drinking cold water produces more mucus, exacerbating flu and cold symptoms. Cold water causes the blood vessels in the nose and neck to contract, lowering blood flow and the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.

Tooth Sensitivity: Cold water will cause your teeth to become sensitive. Too much cold water erodes tooth enamel, which, over time, can lead to damage and pain.

Read More:  10 Ultimate Ways to Increase Water Intake for Healthier Well-Being  

When Is It Better to Drink Warm Or Room-Temperature Water?

Your body reacts differently to room-temperature water than to cold water. As a result, there are some circumstances where drinking warmer water is more advantageous than cold water.

When you have Sinus Congestion: Drinking warm or hot water can help relieve the symptoms of a cold, flu, or nasal allergies that clog your sinuses and make breathing easier. On the other hand, cold water thickens nasal mucus, and it may make you feel worse.

Aids in Digestion: Drinking hot water improves digestion by activating the digestive organs and boosting blood flow to the digestive tract. Additionally, hot (warm) water can aid in meal digestion and facilitate nutrient absorption.

Aids in Constipation: Warm water can relieve constipation by encouraging bowel movements and stimulating the digestive system. Additionally, stools can be softer and easier to pass.

Maintains Hydration: Hot water can help restore lost bodily fluids, particularly in colder climates where the body tends to lose more fluids. Additionally, hot (warm) water can be calming, motivating people to stay hydrated by drinking more water.

Enhances Circulation: Another advantage of drinking hot water is improving circulation. When blood vessels are dilated by the warmth of hot water, the body’s tissues and organs receive more oxygen and blood flow. Increased circulation can support healthy skin, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, and enhance general body function.

Benefits Of Staying Hydrated

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for controlling body temperature. When you’re overheated, drinking lots of water helps you sweat, which cools your body and helps you avoid heat stroke and other heat-related ailments.

Staying hydrated has numerous advantages beyond only reducing thirst and acting as the body’s cooling system:

Maintaining Healthy Kidney Function: Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining healthy kidney function. Our kidneys filter out waste from our blood by producing urine. Our kidneys suffer when our bodies accumulate too many poisons and acids due to dehydration. Kidney damage can also result from urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

Enhances Energy: Refill your water bottle if you usually reach for a sugary snack or caffeinated drink to combat your mid-afternoon slump. Your circulation suffers when you don’t drink enough water, and your heart has to work harder to pump oxygen to your brain, leaving you exhausted and lethargic.

Keeps You Focused: Even minor dehydration can adversely affect memory, focus, and concentration. Drinking more water enhances your ability to think clearly and better control your emotions. You may find that drinking water helps reduce anxiety and excessive stress.

Promotes Weight Loss: During the “battle of the bulge,” water is a vital tool. Drinking it can help you feel satisfied between meals, preventing you from reaching for a bag of chips or a cookie jar. Consuming fewer calories may also result in weight loss and a lower body mass index.

Read More: 16 Unexpected Benefits Of Drinking Hot Water That You Didn’t Know Of 

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to drinking cold water. However, as we’ve seen, it can have several unexpected advantages, such as increasing hydration and alertness, particularly after working out.

It can have certain disadvantages, though, such as the possibility of gastrointestinal distress for some people or the ability to provoke specific medical disorders. What is the best option, then? Balance is crucial.

Take into account your lifestyle and pay attention to your body. Cold water could be your best ally if you’re active or attempting to stay cool on a hot day. However, you might prefer warm water or room temperature if you have a delicate digestive system or are prone to sore throats.

• Mar 2018
  Written by Sumana Maheswari
• Feb 2025
  Edited by Ankita