Warm Water vs Cold Water: What Should You Drink After Waking Up? - ACTIV LIVING COMMUNITY
Warm Water vs Cold Water: What Should You Drink After Waking Up?
Depending on who you ask, people swear by hot or cold water. While some like it hot, others love drinking cold. In the Indian context, drinking hot or warm water is deeply rooted in our culture, as it is said to boost metabolism and help with digestion. Drinking cold water, on the other hand, is generally frowned upon, with most households attributing it to the major cause of cold and throat concerns. But how much of this warm water vs cold water debate is actually based in science, and how much of it is just made-up pseudoscience? Let’s find out.
Why Drinking Water in the Morning Is Important
Regardless of your stance on the hot vs cold water debate, we can safely say drinking water is the most important morning routine you should add to your life. While there’s no universal recommendation on how much water to drink every morning, a general guideline is to drink anywhere between 250 and 500 ml a few minutes after you’re awake. Doing so helps rehydrate your body, kickstart your metabolism for the day, flush out toxins, and keep you alert.
Drinking warm water in the morning—is it good?
Many people, especially those following age-old Indian practices or Ayurvedic recommendations, drink warm water in the morning. It is known to have a calming and soothing effect on the body. But there are a few more benefits to drinking warm or hot water; let’s look at them:
Benefits of Drinking Warm Water in the Morning
Based on research regarding thermal comfort, the optimal temperature for warm beverages should be between 40 degrees and 50 degrees Celsius to avoid thermal injury to the oesophagus. Here are a few ways drinking liquids within this range can help you:
Relieves Nasal Congestion
A warm mug of water is known to help relieve cough, runny nose, and sore throat. Another key benefit of hot water is that inhaling the steam that it releases can also help clear up your sinuses and prevent sinus headaches.
Improves Central Nervous System Function
A mug or two of warm water is said to improve how your central nervous system functions and also uplift your mood by providing a soothing sensory experience.
Could Help Relieve Constipation
A major cause of constipation is dehydration. Drinking warm water helps keep you hydrated, while its warming effect can help stimulate intestinal movement.