Cold water: is it good for the body?

Author: Alina Ponomareva, nutritionist

Date: 16.09.2024

Water is the basis of life and an important component of our body. It supports the functioning of all systems and organs, helps to eliminate toxins, regulates body temperature and ensures normal metabolism. Drinking enough water is vital for maintaining health and overall well-being. However, the issue of the temperature of the water we drink is the subject of much debate. Let's take a closer look at these issues.

The benefits of water for the body

About 60% of an adult's body weight is made up of water, and it is essential for maintaining all life processes. Water helps deliver nutrients to cells, keeps blood stable, and regulates body temperature. Without water, the body quickly becomes dehydrated, which can lead to decreased energy, loss of concentration, and even serious health problems.

Recommendations for water consumption vary, but on average, an adult needs to drink between 1.5 and 2.5 liters of water per day, depending on activity and environmental conditions. However, it is equally important whether you drink warm or cold water and how it affects your body.

The benefits (and not only) of cold water

Cold water has its own specific effects on the body, especially in the summer heat when we need to cool down quickly. It helps to reduce body temperature, especially after physical activity or at high air temperatures. However, drinking too cold water can also have negative consequences.

Lower body temperature. Cold water cools the body quickly and can reduce the feeling of heat. This is useful after intense exercise or in hot weather when the body overheats.

Improving metabolism. Some studies show that drinking cold water can help increase metabolism because the body has to spend more energy heating it to body temperature.

Effect on digestion. Cold water can slow down the digestive process. Cooling down the digestive system slows down the secretion of gastric enzymes and juices, which can negatively affect food digestion. This is especially important to consider when eating.

Risk of cramps. Drinking cold water during meals or after intense physical activity can cause cramps or even discomfort in the stomach due to a sudden change in body temperature.

The benefits of warm water

Warm water, unlike cold water, has different properties and is more often used to maintain health in certain situations.

Improving digestion. Warm water stimulates the gastrointestinal tract. It helps break down fats and facilitates the process of digestion, which is especially important during or after meals.

Relieve tension and relaxation. Warm water helps to relax muscles and relieve tension in the body. This is useful after physical exertion or stress, when the body needs to recover.

Detoxification of the body. Drinking warm water helps to eliminate toxins from the body through sweating and urination. It also helps reduce swelling and support kidney health.

Soothes the throat and mucous membranes. Warm water is good for colds or other respiratory conditions because it relieves inflammation and moisturizes the mucous membranes.

Which water is better to drink: cold or warm

The decision whether to drink cold or warm water depends on several factors, such as your current health status, ambient temperature, and individual body needs.

Cold water. It is better to drink it after exercise, when you need to cool your body quickly, or in the heat to reduce body temperature. However, you should avoid drinking water that is too cold while eating or if you have digestive problems.

Warm water. It is recommended to consume warm water in the morning to improve digestion, as well as throughout the day to maintain normal body function. It is especially useful after meals or during illnesses when the body needs additional support and to prevent dehydration.

DETOX: cold or warm?

What about drinking Aqua Myrhorod DETOX, is it better to drink it warm or cold? The fact is that DETOX is a medicinal table water that not only quenches thirst, but also serves for medical purposes. That is, according to the custom, natural mineral water DETOX can be consumed at a comfortable temperature for the consumer.

However, according to medical findings, water should be consumed at a specific temperature for various diseases. For example:

- in case of chronic non-atrophic and atrophic gastritis with reduced acid-forming function of the stomach, it is recommended to drink DETOX at room temperature 20°C-22°C 30 minutes before meals;

- in case of functional dyspepsia, it is recommended to consume DETOX in a warm state (28°C-35°C) 40-60 minutes before meals;

- in case of chronic cholecystitis, functional disorders of the gallbladder and sphincter of Oddi, it is recommended to take mineral water warm (28°C-35°C) 40-45 minutes before meals;

- in case of irritable bowel syndrome with predominance of constipation, functional constipation, mineral water is prescribed at room temperature 18°C-22°C.