Many people enjoy having a nice, warm cup of water or lemon water because it can make them feel good. Drinking hot water keeps your body hydrated and can help with things like a stuffy nose, digestion, stress relief, and even making you feel cozier. So, it’s an easy way to feel better!
Drinking water, whether it’s hot or cold, is really important to keep your body healthy and hydrated. Some people think that hot water, in particular, can do special things like improve digestion, help with congestion, and make you feel more relaxed compared to cold water.
Now, it’s important to know that most of the good things people say about hot water are based on their own experiences, not a lot of scientific research. But, many people do feel better after sipping on hot water, especially in the morning or before bed.
When you’re sipping on hot drinks, it’s a good idea to keep the temperature between 130 and 160°F (54 and 71°C). If it’s hotter than that, it can be dangerous and cause burns.
For an extra health boost and a dose of vitamin C, try adding a bit of lemon to your hot water to make a tasty lemon water drink.
Benefits of Drinking Hot Water:
Drinking water, especially when it’s warm, can be really good for your health. People have been enjoying warm drinks for ages, believing they’re good for you. Although scientists are only starting to explore these ideas, here are eight possible ways hot water might be good for you, and why people think so.
1. Clears Up Blocked Nose
Imagine sipping on a cup of warm water. The steam from it can do wonders for your stuffy nose. Breathing in that warm vapor can help unclog your nose and even relieve those annoying sinus headaches. You see, your sinuses and throat have these special areas called mucous membranes. Drinking hot water can cozy them up and soothe a sore throat caused by too much mucus.
2. Eases Digestion Troubles
When you don’t drink enough water, your small intestine has to soak up the water from the food you eat and any sips you take. This can make you really thirsty and parched. But it can also lead to dehydration, making it tough for you to have a smooth bowel movement.
Now, imagine this: drinking hot water instead of cold or lukewarm water. It helps your stomach break down food more quickly and keeps constipation at bay. And let’s face it, no one wants to deal with painful bathroom visits, bloating, or those pesky hemorrhoids.
Related……How To Boost Digestive Health
3. Flushes Out Toxins
Back in 2008, a study found something interesting. Sipping on a hot drink, like tea, did wonders when you had a runny nose, cough, sore throat, or just felt tired. And guess what? The hot drink worked even better than a cold one. It’s like a warm hug for your body, helping you fight off those icky symptoms.
4. May Ease Swallowing Problems in Achalasia
Imagine having trouble swallowing your food. That’s what happens with a condition called achalasia. It’s when your food doesn’t move down your esophagus into your stomach like it should.
People with achalasia often feel like their food is stuck in their throat. This makes swallowing hard, and it’s called “dysphagia.” In a study from 2012, researchers found something interesting. Drinking warm water seemed to help people with achalasia digest their food more comfortably. They didn’t exactly figure out why, but it seemed to make a difference.
5. Supports Your Body’s Clean-Up Crew
Now, let’s talk about detoxification – your body’s way of getting rid of waste. While there’s no concrete proof that hot water is a detox superstar, a study from 2020 showed that drinking more water can do your kidneys a favor. It helps them out by diluting waste materials in your blood.
The Arthritis Foundation also points out that drinking water is like giving your body a good rinse. It can help fight inflammation, keep your joints moving smoothly, and even prevent things like gout.
6. Keeps Blood Flowing Smoothly
Healthy blood flow is like the highway system for your body. It affects things like blood pressure and your risk of heart problems.
Taking a warm bath is like giving your circulatory system a boost. Your arteries and veins – those are like the roads for your blood – they expand and work better when you soak in warm water.
Drinking hot water might have a similar effect, but there’s not a ton of research on this just yet. And here’s a bonus: sipping hot water or taking a warm bath before bedtime can also help you relax and get a good night’s sleep.
7. Keeps You Hydrated
Drinking water is like giving your body a refreshing boost. It keeps you hydrated, which means your body has enough water to do its important jobs.
Experts from the Institute of Medicine suggest that women should aim for about 78 ounces (that’s about 2.3 liters) of water each day, while men should aim for around 112 ounces (3.3 liters). This doesn’t just include water you drink from a glass; it also counts the water in foods like juicy fruits and veggies.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, working hard, or in a really hot place, your body needs even more water to stay in top shape.
A good idea is to kickstart your day with a warm cup of water and finish it off with another. Your body relies on water for pretty much everything it does, so it’s super important to keep it hydrated. Related………….How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day?
8. Reduced Pain
Imagine a warm bath or a cozy heating pad on a sore muscle. That’s what hot water can do for your body. It gets your blood moving better, especially to places where you might be hurting. But here’s the thing – there’s no direct proof that drinking hot water can magically make your pain disappear.
Still, lots of folks use things like warm packs and hot water bottles to ease their pain. Drinking hot water might give you some inside comfort, but remember, too much heat can make swelling worse.
9. Reduced Stressed
Think about sipping on a comforting cup of hot water. It can be like a warm hug for your nerves. In an old study, people found that drinking hot stuff like tea and coffee helped them feel less stressed and anxious.
Now, part of that might be the caffeine buzz, but the cozy warmth also played a part in making people feel better. So, if you’re looking to unwind and reduce stress, a cup of hot water can be your new best friend.
10. Keeps You Warm and Cozy in the Cold
When you’re out in the cold, your body often starts shivering to keep warm. But here’s something interesting: a study in 2017 found that sipping on warm fluids can actually help you shiver less.
In this study, people wore special suits with chilly water circulating through them. Then, they drank water at different temperatures, even really hot water at 126°F (52°C).
What happened? Well, those who drank the hot water quickly didn’t have to work as hard to stay warm. This could be pretty handy if you’re working or playing outside in the cold.
11. A Soothing Solution for Constipation
If you ever feel all blocked up in the bathroom, it might be because you’re not drinking enough water. Dehydration can make it tough to go to the bathroom regularly, and that can lead to constipation – a real discomfort.
Drinking hot water regularly can actually help keep your trips to the bathroom nice and smooth. It helps soften your stool, making it easier to pass. So, keep sipping to keep things moving smoothly down there.
Risk:
The main danger of drinking hot water is the risk of burning yourself. Sometimes, what feels nice and warm on your finger can still burn your mouth or throat. So, it’s essential to avoid drinking water that’s super close to boiling. Always test a tiny sip before you take a big gulp.
If you use a covered, insulated cup, it can help prevent accidents like spilling hot water and getting burned.
Now, if you’re sipping on caffeinated coffee or tea, there’s a chance you might end up feeling too jittery or over caffeinated. To avoid this, you can limit how many cups of coffee or tea you have, or you can switch to plain hot water instead. It’s a gentler option if you’re worried about getting too wired.
Bottom Line:
Even though there isn’t a ton of specific research about hot versus cold water, drinking hot water is safe and can help you stay hydrated all day long.
Making a habit of drinking hot water is pretty simple. You can start your day with a cup of boiled water, let it cool down a bit, and sip away. If you’re not into tea or coffee, try some hot water with a splash of lemon.
Add a little stretching to your daily routine, and you’ll feel more energized and ready to tackle your day.
If warm water doesn’t taste great to you, try squeezing in a bit of citrus like lemon or lime before taking a sip.
And here’s a tip: having some warm water before bedtime can help you relax after a busy day, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep.
