Adequate hydration is essential to good health, and drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated. But are there different advantages based on the water temperature? For example, are there unique benefits to drinking hot water or warm water? More research is needed to say for sure. But many people who study hydration—formally or informally—think drinking heated water may provide added benefits over cold or room temperature water.
Reasons to Consider Drinking Heated Water
Anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking heated water may provide health benefits, including these six:
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Drinking warm water may help relieve nasal congestion. Whether there is an internal response to drinking hot water or the simple act of inhaling the vapors from a steaming mug delivers a benefit, many people find that consuming heated water helps relieve a stuffy nose when they’re experiencing cold or allergy symptoms. It can also temporarily soothe a sore throat. So, it’s worth experimenting to see if drinking warm water helps treat nasal congestion when you find it hard to breathe due to a minor respiratory problem.
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Drinking warm water might aid in digestion. Drinking more water at any safe temperature helps with digestion. But some studies suggest that consuming water at around the average body temperature (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) increases metabolism compared to cold or room temperature water.
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Drinking warm water may help with weight loss. Some studies indicate that drinking warm water aids in weight loss by increasing metabolism. Additionally, taking up space in the stomach with water (really of any temperature) increases the sensation of feeling full and may help with weight loss.
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Drinking warm water may promote regular bowel movements. Warm water is thought to relax muscles. And since your digestive tract is essentially one long muscle with different sections, the relaxation effect from introducing warm water at the top end may move downward, affect your colon, and make it easier to poop.
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Drinking warm water may help with menstrual cramps. Introducing heat into the body may help soothe and relax cramping muscles.
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Drinking warm water might support better hair health. Heated water positively affects the nerves that connect to hair roots. That stimulation may help keep hair follicles healthy and promote hair growth.
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Drinking warm water may provide temporary relief from heartburn. Many people wonder, “Does drinking hot water help acid reflux?” The answer is that it might. However, keep in mind that it’s a temporary solution. You should talk with your doctor if you have ongoing acid reflux.
Pros and Cons of Drinking Hot Water
Drinking moderate amounts of hot water helps you stay hydrated at a minimum and may provide the above advantages and others. However, while it appears that drinking hot water has benefits, you should also be aware of a few drawbacks. For example, hot water (like any hot liquid) can burn the skin. So, if you spill a cup of heated water onto your hands, legs, etc., there is a risk of injury. You can also scald the inside of your mouth if you drink water that is too hot. And because hot water doesn’t have a scent like coffee or tea, you may not as readily register it as hot when you bring the cup to your mouth. Consuming water that’s over 149 degrees Fahrenheit has also been linked to an increased risk of injury and esophageal cancer.
Enjoy Warm Water Carefully
If you’re looking to hydrate more fully and enjoy other health benefits, carefully consuming warm or hot water can be helpful. And when you increase your intake of spring water like ours, you get the added advantages of great taste and natural vitamins and minerals!
Oh, by the way, we offer hot/cold dispensers so that you can have warm water anytime the mood strikes, with the ease of pushing a button. Be sure to contact us if you'd like to swap your porcelain or cold/room temperature dispenser for a hot/cold one.
