Is it Bad to Drink Cold Water?
There is a misconception that drinking cold water frequently, especially after eating, causes serious diseases like cancer. This idea comes from the simple speculation that drinking cold water after eating solidifies ingested fats and slows down digestion. People believe that this process causes reactions in the stomach and intestines that lead to the appearance of cancer cells.
What the doctors say
Nevertheless, there are medical specialists who recommend drinking cold water especially after exercising because it regulates body temperature. On the other hand, other doctors say that drinking water in this temperature forces the body to expend energy for heating.
There are other times when cold water is usually used incorrectly. For example, when a fever goes up, we tend to immerse our body in cold water when it would be more appropriate to use warm or slightly warm water. Otherwise, the body’s defense reaction to cold water would be to cause chills and a rise in temperature. In this case, drinking it causes the same negative results.
The real problem
We’ve probably heard several times that we should consume enough water a day, two liters being the recommended amount. If we drink too much or not enough, we’ll be susceptible to certain health problems. Since each person is different, the best indicator of whether enough water is being consumed is urine.
If it’s dark, you’re not drinking enough water. If it’s light, you’re drinking enough. Keep in mind that your urine just after you wake up is somewhat darker. Another way to get a sense of hydration is thirst. When the body says it’s thirsty, you need to drink, regardless of whether the water is cold or hot.
The aspect that really affects our health is the amount and quality of water. Most of the water we consume must be natural, have no artificial flavors (certain additives are permitted, such as mint leaves, lemon slices, etc.), and be unsweetened.
This article may interest you: 7 Easy Ways to Drink Water More Often
The benefits of drinking cold water
- It helps you lose weight: The body always maintains a stable temperature. When you consume cold water, this temperature decreases and the body uses calories to stabilize it again.
- It lowers body temperature: After exercising, body temperature rises, and drinking cold water helps stabilize it as stated above.
- It hydrates you faster: After exercise, the body needs to hydrate quickly. Water in this temperature is absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream, thus expediting hydration.
In conclusion, getting enough water is necessary to stay healthy, regardless of its temperature.
