The Tamesis
Anything that promises relief from an upset stomach prompts the internet to try it immediately. But like many things about TikTok, what some consider a newfound trend is actually something that many cultures have incorporated into their daily lives for centuries. At a time when Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has never been more popular, one TCM practice that has been a hit on the internet is drinking hot water.
Here, experts explain why you should consider ditching the ice and drinking warm water.
benefit
Pasu Harisadee, CM.D., a traditional Chinese medicine educator at RAKxa Integrative Wellness, says drinking warm water is considered a longevity habit in traditional Chinese medicine, helping the digestive system and balancing our energy flow. She explains that warm water is “fuel” for the digestive fire and helps the body break down nutrients. “Heat is a vasodilator,” Harissadi says. “Drinking warm water helps relax the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract and promotes the flow of qi and blood.”
“We can liken this digestive fire to our stomach and spleen, the organs responsible for digestion in traditional Chinese medicine. They thrive on warmth so that food is properly broken down, nutrients are absorbed, and healthy, strong chi circulates throughout the body,” adds Saher Hussaini, a practicing acupuncturist and herbalist and founder of Set Your Intention Acupuncture. “In contrast, ice-cold water impairs our digestive function by forcing the body to expend extra energy to warm stomach contents before digestion begins. Over time, this can lead to bloating, slow digestion and an unpleasant feeling of post-meal fatigue.”
From a Western medicine perspective, drinking warm water promotes “rest and digest” signals to the nervous system, says Zulia Frost, MD, co-founder and clinical director of Recharge Health. It can also support digestion, reduce bloating, and help stimulate bowel movements. While she says research on the effects of warm water on our metabolism may be limited and the benefits are mostly indirect, it could support a lot. Some of the most common benefits of drinking warm water include:
Promote gut health
“Warmth helps the body metabolize fluids more efficiently,” Harissadi says. “[It can] Helps the body get rid of moisture and cold that can cause sluggish digestion (and keeps internal flow clear). Dr. Frost adds that warm fluids can help relax our gastrointestinal tract to support the passage of food through the digestive system and encourage slower, more mindful drinking and eating.
Remove toxins
Harisadee explains that the stomach’s energy is supposed to move downward to eliminate waste from the body, and warm water can help the body do this more efficiently.
Relieve abdominal pain
Since warm water helps eliminate waste more easily, Harisadi says drinking warm water can help relieve abdominal pain, such as menstrual cramps, bloating, and any other form of discomfort. Dr. Froese
Add required moisture
If you struggle to drink enough water throughout the day, drinking warm water may be the answer. Dr. Frost says many people find that drinking warm fluids helps them stay hydrated better.
Calms Digestion and Mental Stress
Because warm water stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”), warm water can help relax and reduce stress-related digestive issues, Dr. Frost says. It can also make breathing easier if you’re experiencing congestion and has a calming ritual effect, she says.
shortcoming
The disadvantages are minor, but there are a few things you should be aware of. Dr. Frost says drinking hot water after a meal may release gastric juices prematurely, which may cause digestive problems in people with sensitive guts.
