Is warm water more beneficial to your health than cold water?

A glass of cold water is a refreshing drink, especially after a long and hot day. But did you know that drinking warm water offers more health benefits?

Tips for drinking warm water

People who drink warm water to boost their health suggest doing so first thing in the morning or right before you go to bed at night. If a glass of warm water doesn’t sound appealing, give your drink a flavor boost by adding some lemon or lime slices.

Make sure the water that you’re drinking has a temperature of about 120 F (48.89 C) to 140 F (60 C). Water that’s too hot may scald your tongue, which is something you don’t want. Water at a temperature of 160 F (71.11 C) or higher will damage the tissue in your esophagus, burn your taste buds, and scald your tongue.

In addition, don’t drink warm water if you are exercising or working during hot weather.

Listed below are some of the benefits of drinking warm water:

It can aid digestion.

Water is a natural lubricant that promotes better digestion, and drinking warm water can soothe and activate the digestive tract. As the warm water moves through the stomach and intestines, it also hydrates your digestive organs for easier waste elimination.

Warm water also helps dissolve and dissipate food that your body has trouble digesting.

It can calm your central nervous system.

Drinking warm water can help calm the central nervous system and lubricate the body.

When the nervous system is wired for healthy and controlled reactions, you’ll experience fewer aches and pains. You’ll also feel calmer and more relaxed throughout the day.

It can ease nasal congestion.

A glass of warm water produces steam. Inhaling this gentle vapor while holding a cup of warm water can help loosen clogged sinuses. Steam from a glass of warm water may also help relieve a sinus headache.

Mucous membranes are found all over your neck and upper torso, and drinking warm water can help warm up that area and soothe a sore throat caused by mucus buildup.

It can help reduce toxins.

Warm water will temporarily increase your internal body temperature. Drinking a glass of warm water, or taking a warm bath, can activate the endocrine system. This also makes you sweat. Sweating helps eliminate toxins and irritants that you are constantly exposed to.

It can improve circulation.

Taking a warm bath helps your circulatory organs, which includes arteries and veins, to expand and carry blood more effectively all over the body. Drinking warm water may have a similar effect.

Healthy blood flow is linked to lower blood pressure and even a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Drinking warm water can also help you relax and promote a good night’s sleep.

It can promote weight loss.

Drinking warm water can “wake up” your body’s temperature control system. As the body compensates for the warm temperature of the water, it also brings your internal temperature down and activates your metabolism.

Warm water also helps the intestines contract to clear out waste products that are making you bloated. This can also get rid of “water weight.” (Related: How Honey with Warm Water Can Do Wonders For Your Health.)

Keep these health benefits in mind whenever you are thirsty and start drinking more warm water every day.

You can read more articles about the importance of staying hydrated at Health.news.

Sources include:

ArticlesOfHealthCare.com

Healthline.com