Drinking Hot Water vs. Cold Water: Which One Is Actually Better for You?

We are committed to optimizing our lives and daily habits to improve our health. While we may overdo it on some things (we may reach protein max fatigue; watch this space), when it comes to things like our water drinking habits, more is better.

But how should you actually drink the most important fluid in your diet? The existing hydration question remains: Is it better for the body to drink hot or cold water?

Which one is actually better for your body?

The good news is you don’t have to choose between team hot water or team cold water. The answer is no. Drinking hot water is not more hydrating or better than cold water, or vice versa. “Both hot and cold water can help [you] maintain [daily hydration]”This is more important than the temperature itself,” says Lucy Yu, a clinical nutritionist at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California. “Drink hot or cold water during the day, depending on your preference or beverage choice.”

In short, it doesn’t matter which temperature you choose as long as you drink the water in the first place.

When should you drink hot water?

Although it comes down to personal preference, sometimes hot water may be more beneficial. Yu said drinking hot water, which has become popular recently, can help relieve illness or digestive discomfort. It can also help keep you warm when you feel cold. Other benefits listed by experts include promoting gut health, flushing out toxins and relieving mental stress.

Yu said there is no limit to drinking hot water every day, as long as you feel comfortable and don’t feel overheated. Those with sensitive guts should be careful as it may release gastric juices prematurely and cause more digestive issues, and she says those with canker sores or mouth blisters should avoid drinking anything hot as it can increase pain (which no one wants).

When should you drink cold water?

Yu recommends drinking cold water when you want to cool down after exercising or doing any warm-up activity, or when you want to feel refreshed in a hot environment. Studies show that athletes or anyone who exercises in the heat may feel more focused due to the cold stimulus provided by cold water, which can give you a slight alertness effect.

She said that for the same hot water, as long as you are willing to drink cold drinks, there is no daily limit. She simply advises those with sensitive teeth or stomachs to stay away from cold water, as it may cause discomfort.

Whether you choose to drink hot or cold water, it’s important that you drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. When in doubt or you’re overwhelmed by the paradox of the two options, stick to room temperature.

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