Water gives us life and we all know how good it feels to quench our thirst with a nice tall glass of cool water. But is cool water always the best option? Or maybe there are occasions where we should opt for warm water?

Some experts speculate on what the best water temperature is to achieve optimal hydration. After all, our internal body temperature is 37.0 °C (98.6 °F) which is vastly different from that of a glass of cool water.

Ancient medicine systems such as Ayurveda, which originated in India more than 3,000 years ago and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) both highlight the importance of temperature and its effects on the body. So it seems that there are certain occasions where warm water is more appropriate than cold!

Whether cold or warm water – the most important thing is to stay hydrated and listen to your body. Our bodies have their own innate intelligence and often tell us what we need to know. When you’re working out or the weather is hot outside, you’ll likely crave ice water. But when you’re sick with a cold you will be more inclined to want hot water. Call a solar water heater repair hawaii expert to always have hot water available. Also, regular maintenance of your sump pump is crucial. Proper upkeep ensures it functions effectively during heavy rainfall and prevents basement flooding. And if you need other repair services like for instance an indianapolis sump pump repair service, make sure to contact professional contractors for expert services. And those who need furnace repair services should consider enlisting the help of the experts. It’s still good to know the science behind the best times for cold vs. warm water! Consider investing in a whole home surge protector for added electrical safety.

Best Times to Drink Cold Water

Exercise

During exercise the core body temperature becomes elevated. Sweating is one mechanism that our bodies use to cool down, but we lose a lot of water and electrolytes which need to be replenished. Sipping on cold water during a workout both rehydrates the body of lost water and helps to cool down the core body temperature. A study done in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition compared room temperature water and cold water during workouts. Researchers found participants who consumed cold water were able to keep their core temperature down 50% longer than the group consuming room temperature water.

Fever

Drinking cold water when you have a fever is one method of cooling the body down. It’s important to keep super hydrated when you have a fever because you’re body is working hard to get rid of whatever foreign invaders may be causing you harm. When you’re overheated, drinking cold water can be a huge relief. Try squeezing some fresh lemon and adding a pinch of sea salt to help replenish lost electrolytes.

Weight Loss

Drinking cold water has been to shown to boost metabolism and help burn an additional 70 calories per day. Though it’s no miracle obesity cure, it does add up over time. When you consider that a person of average weight (70 kgs) burns 70 calories going for a 15 minute walk, ice water starts to sound like a pretty simple and effective way to burn extra calories when you’re trying to lose weight.

Best Times to Drink Warm or Hot Water

Digestion

Ever wonder why most people consume a hot beverage upon rising? Yes caffeine has something to do with it, but that’s not the only reason. Ayurvedic medicine states that drinking warm water in the morning helps to stimulate digestion. Drinking cold water with a meal can have adverse effects on the digestive process. It requires more energy from the body to warm up cool liquids and foods, thus taking a longer time to digest and assimilate. Good to know for those of us suffering from digestive distress!

Detox

When it comes to cleansing the body of impurities, consuming adequate amounts of water is of paramount importance. Drinking room temperature water with a squeeze of lemon is recommeded. This requires the least amount of energy for your body to assimilate. The lemon also helps to stimulate digestion and flush toxins. During a detox you may want to add some cleansing additions to your water. Try adding some cucumber slices and fresh mint or slices of apple and a cinnamon stick. Not only will you find keeping hydrated more enjoyable, you’ll also be receiving the cleansing benefits these foods have to offer.

Pain Relief

Warm or hot water is better to consume if you are dealing with a headache or inflammation. Because warm water helps stimulate blood flow to the tissues it’s an excellent remedy for treating menstrual cramps.

Constipation

Drinking warm water when you’re constipated can help to move things along. The main cause of constipation is dehydration, so it’s essential to consume extra amounts of liquids. Warm water helps to stimulate blood flow and has a more soothing effect in the intestines than cold water.

Health Advisory : This content is for informational purposes only, and the content herein should not be mistaken for professional health advice. If you have a medical problem you should seek advice from a doctor and other health care professional.