Many people find drinking plain hot water or hot lemon water soothing and beneficial. Hot water can help you stay hydrated, and it may also help ease congestion, improve digestion, relieve stress, and help you feel warmer.
Drinking water, hot or cold, keeps your body healthy and hydrated.
Some people claim that hot water specifically can help improve digestion, relieve congestion, and even promote relaxation, compared with drinking cold water.
Most health benefits of hot water are based on anecdotal reports, as there’s little scientific research in this area. That said, many people feel benefits from this remedy, especially first thing in the morning or right before bed.
When drinking hot beverages,
For an extra health boost and some vitamin C, try adding a twist of lemon to hot water to make lemon water.
This article looks at 10 ways that drinking hot water may benefit you.
A cup of hot water creates steam. Holding a cup of hot water and taking a deep inhale of this gentle vapor may help loosen clogged sinuses and even relieve a sinus headache.
Since you have mucous membranes throughout your sinuses and throat, drinking hot water may help warm that area and soothe a sore throat caused by mucus buildup.
According to an older
Drinking water helps to keep the digestive system moving. As the water moves through your stomach and intestines, the body is better able to eliminate waste.
Some believe that drinking hot water is especially effective for activating the digestive system.
The theory is that hot water can also dissolve and dissipate the food you’ve eaten that your body might have had trouble digesting.
More research is needed to prove this benefit, though a
In the meantime, if you feel like drinking hot water helps aid your digestion, there is no harm in using this as a remedy.
Not getting enough water, hot or cold, can have negative effects on your nervous system functioning, ultimately affecting mood and brain function.
This research showed that drinking water boosted participants’ brain activity during demanding activities and also reduced their self-reported anxiety.
Dehydration is a common cause of constipation. In many cases, drinking water is an effective way to relieve and prevent constipation. Staying hydrated helps soften stool and makes it easier to pass.
Drinking hot water regularly may help keep your bowel movements regular.
Although some
The Institute of Medicine
You also need much more water if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, engaging in strenuous activity, or working in a hot environment.
Try starting the day with a serving of hot water and ending it with another. Your body needs water to perform basically every essential function, so the value of that can’t be overstated.
How much water should you drink each day? Read more here.
A
Subjects wore suits circulated with water that was a bit above freezing, then drank water at a variety of temperatures, including up to 126°F (52°C).
Researchers found that drinking the hot water quickly helped the subjects put less work into maintaining their body temperature. That could be handy, the study notes, for people working or exercising in cold conditions.
Healthy blood flow affects everything from your blood pressure to your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Taking a warm bath helps your circulatory organs — your arteries and veins — expand and carry blood more effectively throughout your body.
Drinking hot water may have a similar effect. However, there’s little research that this is effective.
As a bonus, warmth from drinking hot water or bathing at nighttime may help relax you and prepare you for restful sleep.
Since drinking hot water helps improve central nervous system functions, you might end up feeling less anxious if you drink it.
According to a
Staying hydrated may therefore improve your mood and relaxation levels.
While there’s no definitive evidence hot water has a specific benefit in this regard, a
And according to the Arthritis Foundation, drinking water is important for flushing out your body. It can also help fight inflammation, keep the joints well lubricated, and prevent gout.
Achalasia is a condition during which your esophagus has trouble moving food down into your stomach.
People with achalasia have trouble swallowing. They may feel as though foods get stuck in their esophagus instead of moving to the stomach. This is called dysphagia.
Researchers aren’t sure why, but an older
Drinking water that’s too hot can damage the tissue in your esophagus, burn your taste buds, and scald your tongue. Be very careful when drinking hot water. Drinking cool, not hot, water is
Generally, though, drinking hot water has no harmful effects and is safe to use as a remedy.
While there’s little direct research into the benefits of hot versus cold water, drinking hot water is considered safe, and can be a good way to make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Getting into the habit of drinking hot water is easy. Try starting your day with a cup of boiled water, left to cool for a while. If you’re not a tea or coffee drinker, try hot water with lemon.
Add a light session of stretching to your routine, and you’ll feel more energized and better equipped to tackle the day.
If the taste of warm water doesn’t appeal to you, add a twist of citrus — like lemon or lime — to the beverage before you drink it.
Drinking warm water before bed is a great way to wind down after a busy day. Knowing about the health benefits will have you sleeping soundly.
I'm a health and wellness enthusiast with a deep understanding of the various concepts discussed in the article about the benefits of drinking hot water. My knowledge extends to the scientific and anecdotal aspects of hydration, digestion, central nervous system function, circulation, stress reduction, detoxification, and specific health conditions like achalasia.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Hydration:
- Hot water helps in staying hydrated, and hydration is crucial for overall health.
- Both hot and cold water contribute to hydration, but the article emphasizes the potential benefits of hot water.
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Digestion:
- Drinking water, including hot water, aids in the movement of the digestive system.
- Anecdotal claims suggest that hot water may be particularly effective for activating digestion and helping with food dissolution.
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Central Nervous System Function:
- Insufficient water intake, whether hot or cold, can negatively impact nervous system functioning.
- Research from 2019 highlights the positive effects of water, including improved central nervous system activity and mood.
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Constipation:
- Dehydration is a common cause of constipation, and regular water intake, including hot water, can help prevent and relieve constipation.
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Hydration Recommendations:
- The Institute of Medicine recommends specific daily water intake for women and men, including water from various sources like food.
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Reducing Shivering in Cold Conditions:
- Drinking warm fluids, as shown in a 2017 study, can help reduce shivering in cold conditions, possibly aiding those working or exercising in such environments.
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Improving Circulation:
- Healthy blood flow is essential for various aspects of cardiovascular health, and while bathing is mentioned, drinking hot water may have a similar, though less researched, effect.
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Stress Reduction:
- The article suggests that improved central nervous system function, facilitated by drinking hot water, may lead to decreased stress levels.
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Detoxification:
- While not definitively proven, the article mentions a 2020 study suggesting that increased water intake can support kidney protection and dilution of waste materials in the blood, potentially aiding detoxification.
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Relief for Achalasia:
- Drinking warm water may help individuals with achalasia digest more comfortably, according to an older study.
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Risks:
- Caution is advised against drinking water that's too hot, as it can cause damage to the esophagus, burn taste buds, and scald the tongue.
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General Safety:
- Drinking hot water is generally considered safe, and the article emphasizes that it has no harmful effects when consumed within a reasonable temperature range.
In conclusion, while the article acknowledges that there is limited scientific research on the benefits of hot water specifically, it highlights the anecdotal evidence and suggests that drinking hot water is a safe and potentially beneficial practice for various aspects of health.
