Cold Water vs Warm Water: Most elementary requirements for life include water, while its temperature when drunk has a lot to do with digestion and health. Drinking chilled water is an indulgence for instant refreshment for some, while others swear by warm water in aiding the body. So what actually helps the system to facilitate digestion?
Cold water is a boon in hot weather or post-workout for refreshment. It would keep down the body temperature from overheating and allows rapid hydration in extreme exhaustion. Studies, however, suggest that the ingestion of cold water may impede digestion slightly by solidifying the fats contained in the food, thus making it harder for the stomach to actually work at breaking it down. Cold water can also bring in some discomfort, bloating, or cramping among those with sensitive digestion.
Contrarily, warm water is generally recommended by folk traditions such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine to stimulate digestion and maintain nutrient absorption through food breakage. Warm water relaxes digestive muscles, aids in relieving constipation, and eases tightness due to bloating. Drinking warm water in the morning on an empty stomach is said to help increase metabolism and detoxify the body.
It should depend on the reason. In case of immediate recovery after overheating, dehydration, or after an intense workout-drink cold water. In other cases, warm or room-temperature water should be preferred during regular meals and digestion. This method encourages slow digestion and protects the stomach from undue stress.
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Cold and warm water can do good. Cold water refreshes and cools the body, whereas warm water aids with digestion and general wellness. Perfectly balanced would be cold water for hydration during heat or after exercising, warm water for digestion throughout the day, enjoying the benefits of both, thereby nurturing a healthy digestive system.