While drinking water of any temperature can support overall well-being, drinking warm water is thought to provide a range of additional health benefits.
People have consumed warm drinks for thousands of years. Folk medical literature is filled with stories of how warm water can improve health, but researchers have only just begun to look into the benefits of drinking warm water. This is why you should drink water in the morning;
Healthier digestion
Insufficient water intake leads to dehydration in the small intestine, making bowel movements difficult and potentially causing chronic constipation. Warm water aids in breaking down food faster and reducing the risk of constipation by supporting regular bowel movements, thereby reducing the pain associated with these issues.
Body detoxification
Natural health advocates argue that hot water might help the body detoxify. When water is warm enough to raise a person’s body temperature, it can cause sweating. Sweating expels toxins and can help clean the pores.
Improved circulation
Warm water is a vasodilator, meaning it expands the blood vessels, improving circulation. This can help muscles relax and reduce pain. Although no studies have directly linked warm water to sustained improvements in circulation, even brief improvements in circulation can support better blood flow to muscles and organs.
Weight loss
Studies have long supported the idea that drinking more water can help a person lose weight. This may partially be because drinking water increases feelings of fullness. Water also helps the body absorb nutrients, and it flushes out waste. A study found that switching from drinking cold water to warm water could increase weight loss. Researchers found that drinking 500 ml of water before a meal increased metabolism by 30 percent.
Reduced pain
Warm water improves circulation and may also improve blood flow, particularly to injured muscles. No research has directly linked hot water consumption to pain relief. However, people routinely use heat packs and warm water bottles to reduce pain. Consuming hot water may offer some internal pain relief, but it is important to note that heat can also exacerbate swelling.
Fighting colds and improving sinus health
Heat applied to the sinuses can alleviate pressure caused by colds and nasal allergies. Steam also helps unclog the sinuses. Drinking warm water may help mucous move more quickly. This means that drinking hot water may encourage coughing and nose-blowing to be more productive.
Encouraging the consumption of coffee and tea
When mixed with coffee or tea, hot water may offer additional health benefits. Coffee and caffeinated teas can dehydrate the body, especially at high doses, but they also offer some health benefits in moderation. Tea may reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. Some studies have linked tea to a reduced risk of cancer, but the results vary.
Reduced stress
A soothing cup of hot water may help people manage stress and anxiety. An older study found that consumption of hot liquids, such as tea and coffee, could lower stress and reduce feelings of anxiety. The study argues that some of the effects are due to caffeine, but that the warmth also played a role in the improved mood of participants.
RISK OF DRINKING WARM WATER
The primary risk of drinking warm water is being burned. Water that feels pleasantly warm on the tip of a finger may still burn the tongue or throat. A person should avoid consuming water that is near boiling temperature, and they should always test a small sip before taking a gulp. Drinking hot water in a covered, insulated cup can reduce the risk of spilling the water and getting burned. A person can prevent this by limiting the cups of coffee or tea they consume or replacing caffeinated drinks with plain hot water.
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/MaxFM/max.com.gh/Belinda Quansah
