4 reasons why you should drink warm water instead of cold water

It's not scientifically proven that warm water can provide any significant health benefits. However, many people choose to drink it to take better care of themselves.
4 reasons why you should drink warm water instead of cold water
Carlos Fabián Avila

Written and verified by Doctor Carlos Fabián Avila.

Last update: 27 May, 2022

How do you usually like to drink water? Do you normally vary the temperature depending on the season of the year or do you maintain it? Many people decide to drink warm water throughout the year, as they believe they can obtain various benefits for their health.

It’s said that warm water can help improve digestive processes and also provides other benefits on a day-to-day basis.

Here are the 4 most popular reasons why people decide to drink warm water daily.

1. Warm water may be beneficial for your digestive system

water to rehydrate
Children need to rehydrate more often than adults. It’s essential to prioritize the consumption of natural drinks and avoid those that are sugary or stimulating.

Warm water may aid your digestive system given that it helps your body process food better and make it easier to assimilate nutrient into the body. On the other hand, cold water is said to solidify the fats found in food and it also slows your digestion.

If you choose to drink a glass of warm water, it may be much easier for you to quickly digest your food. It’s also said that room temperature water can help combat or prevent constipation.

2. It may care for your respiratory system

Drinking warm water can be much healthier for your respiratory system. According to folk belief, cold water inflames your mucous membranes. It also increases your risk of suffering from respiratory system infections as well as suffering from throat problems.

Warm water, on the other hand, may soothe your throat and help reduce any irritation.

How drinks have a relaxing and comforting effect, which is why many people enjoy them regularly.

3. Stimulates proper blood circulation 

Drinking water increases blood flow and therefore contributes to the entire blood and cardiovascular system. However, drinking warm water has not been shown to provide any additional health benefits or to significantly improve quality of life.

However, there are those who consider that drinking warm water before and after training helps improve cardiovascular and muscular health.

Discover: Recommended Foods for Cardiovascular Health

4. It’s essential for hydrating the body

In case you feel a little sleepy or tired when doing activities such as studying, reading, and/or writing, drinking some cool water can help. However, you shouldn’t go overboard with this.

According to a study published in 2001, the intake of cold water was associated with migraines. Therefore, patients are advised to avoid consuming very cold drinks or ice water.

The experts at Medical News Today comment that drinking water is essential in any case. Temperature is not really a relevant factor. Now, in the case of headaches or migraines, it may be best to avoid iced water and opt for warmer beverages.

Other considerations

woman drinking water
  • By consuming water, the joints are lubricated and ligament resistance is improved.
  • If we drink enough water every day, the chances of suffering from kidney stones and urinary infections decrease.
  • Water is a drink capable of hydrating and, to a certain extent, appeasing hunger when you feel anxious to eat.
  • Water is the best ally against fluid retention.
  • Drinking water can help us prevent multiple problems. If there isn’t enough hydration, the body concentrates more toxic substances.
  • Water supports all the processes of the skin, thus helping us to look much better every day.
  • If we don’t consume the necessary amount of water, we will be making certain tasks complicated for our organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and digestive and immune systems. These won’t be able to fulfill their functions correctly, which affects the rest of the body.

It’s not necessary to always drink two liters of water a day

It’s not true that people should drink one to two and a half liters of water per day. However, health and nutrition experts advise people to drink based on thirst, even during the summer.

On the other hand, they warn that you have to drink water, but without going to the extreme. Potomania can have serious health consequences.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Iglesias Rosado C., Villarino Marín A. L., Martínez J. A., Cabrerizo L., Gargallo M., Lorenzo H. et al . Importancia del agua en la hidratación de la población española: documento FESNAD 2010. Nutr. Hosp.  [Internet]. 2011  Feb [citado  2018  Nov  06] ;  26( 1 ): 27-36. Disponible en: http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0212-16112011000100003&lng=es.
  • Mattsson, P. (2001). Headache Caused by Drinking Cold Water is Common and Related to Active Migraine. Cephalalgia21(3), 230–235. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.2001.00211.x

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.