Table of contents
- Effects on muscles and nerves
- Effect on digestion
- Effect on the circulatory system
- The effect of cold water on the body's energy expenditure
- Possible side effects of ice cold water
- How much water does the body need?
How do you prefer a glass of water: lukewarm or nicely chilled? An internist and a nutrition expert explain the advantages and disadvantages of the temperature of the drinking water for digestion, circulation, pain perception and calories burned.
Especially in summer on hot days you long for a sip of cold water to cool off. But that is not particularly useful, because the cold drink has to be brought up to temperature by the organism, which makes you sweat all the more. But hot water also causes beads of sweat on the forehead, because the body wants to give off the excess heat quickly. FITBOOK explains what is healthier - hot or cold water.
Bestselling author and nutrition expert Sven-David Müller on FITBOOK: “Anyone who thinks that an ice-cold drink provides refreshment is exactly wrong. Ideally, a drink should be consumed at human body temperature, i.e. around 36 degrees. Then it does not have to be heated up or cooled down. Here one should learn from the southern peoples, because there are no ice-cold drinks for them. Desert peoples, for example, drink almost exclusively peppermint tea at body temperature. ”Compared to cold water, warm water has a number of health benefits.
Effects on muscles and nerves
Warm water is pain reliever and helps with headaches, abdominal pain and menstrual pain. Muscles and nerves are naturally relaxed. “In principle, we perceive warmth as pleasant: vessels widen, and cramps in the intestines also tend to relax in warm water. We just feel better, ”confirms the Hamburg nutritionist and diabetologist Dr. Matthias Riedl opposite FITBOOK. So instead of throwing yourself another pain reliever, you should just try it with a glass of warm water. Nevertheless, the doctor warns: “Of course, the cause of the headache and abdominal pain is important.” If the pain is severe and persistent, you should consult a doctor.
Effect on digestion
Warm water is also good for digestion and helps with constipation. Especially after or with a fatty meal, you should drink warm water, as the fats can be better dissolved and digested. 'Warmed fats can get into the intestines in a more finely divided manner,' says Dr. Riedel. So in the restaurant you would rather order a tea or an unconventional glass of warm water with your meal.
Effect on the circulatory system
A glass of warm water immediately after getting up not only gets the metabolism going, but also acts as a stimulant, because it increases the body temperature and thus stimulates the circulation. Instead of a morning coffee, try it with warm water.
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The effect of cold water on the body's energy expenditure
Cold water, on the other hand, has another advantage: If you want to burn calories, you should drink cold water, because the body uses additional energy by bringing the water to body temperature. However, the effect is very small, because “to heat one gram of water by one degree Celsius, the body needs one calorie - not kilocalorie. This means that the body has to use energy, but this is low, ”emphasizes Dr. Riedl.
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Possible side effects of ice cold water
But cold water can also lead to undesirable side effects, warns nutrition expert Müller: “Ice-cold water can also trigger migraines. The back of the throat (palate) is particularly close to the brain, so that an ice-cold drink could trigger migraines here. ”And not only for those prone to migraines, Müller recommends drinks at body temperature - especially for people with esophageal problems (such as heartburn) or irritable bowel patients lukewarm drinks are always the right choice.
How much water does the body need?
Of course, not everyone likes warm water, but a splash of lemon or lime gives the whole thing the kick it needs. Unsweetened teas can also provide a little variety in terms of taste. And regardless of whether it is cold, lukewarm or hot water: In any case, it is good for the body's water balance.
As a rule of thumb: 30 to 40 milliliters per kilo of body weight. If you weigh 70 kilograms, you should drink at least 2.1 liters of water a day, provided you don't sweat too much. By the way: Drinking too much water is also not advisable. In extreme cases, this can even be dangerous. Excessive water consumption can lead to nutrient and mineral deficiencies - we have found out more about this for you here .
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Drinking Warm or Cold Water – Which is Healthier?
(2022, November 25). Edubirdie. Retrieved November 24, 2024, from https://edubirdie.com/examples/drinking-warm-or-cold-water-which-is-healthier/
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2022 Nov 25 [cited 2024 Nov 24].
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