You might recall those times when grandma swore by a glass of hot water for nearly everything. Her advice wasn’t just for comfort, it was rooted in generations of wisdom. Today, the benefits of drinking warm water continue to make their mark, offering a simple, natural way to support overall wellness. Whether for soothing or energising, this habit has become a trusted part of daily routines, still holding the warmth of grandma's nurturing care.
15 Reasons Why Warm Water Could Be Good for You
Keeps you hydrated
Warm water is just as effective as cold water for hydration but can be easier on your system, especially in colder weather. Sipping warm water makes you more inclined to drink slowly, which helps with absorption. Staying hydrated is essential for regulating body temperature, maintaining skin elasticity and keeping your organs functioning smoothly.
Helps detoxify the body
Warm water encourages sweating and improves kidney function, both of which aid in flushing out toxins from your body. This detoxification process can leave you feeling more refreshed and energetic. Furthermore, it helps your body remove waste products more effectively.
Improves digestion
The benefits of drinking warm water further extend to stimulating your digestive tract, making food breakdown more efficient. It helps prevent bloating and constipation by softening stools and promoting regular bowel movements. The gentle warmth also relaxes the muscles in your digestive system, easing the entire process for smoother digestion.
Assists in your weight loss journey
Warm water can slightly raise your internal body temperature, which may boost your metabolism. This, in turn, helps your body burn more calories throughout the day. Additionally, drinking hot water before meals can make you feel fuller, reducing overeating and supporting weight management efforts.
Good for treating cold, cough and sinus
One of the well-known benefits of drinking warm water is its ability to relieve common cold symptoms. It helps loosen mucus, clear nasal congestion, and soothe an irritated throat. According to health experts, the warmth from the water also helps decongest the sinuses, offering much-needed relief during a cold.
Promotes better skin health
Skin care is very important and warm water should be used for washing the body because it helps in removing toxins from the body that are responsible for causing acne and other skin problems. This is good because the warmth aids in the circulation of oxygenated blood to your skin cells as well as delivering nutrients. It enhances the brightness of the skin and also helps in preventing the skin from becoming loose.
Helps relax
The benefits of drinking warm water go beyond hydration, as it can have a calming effect on your nervous system, helping to reduce stress and tension. This makes it particularly useful after a long day when your body needs to relax. Drinking warm water before bed can also enhance sleep quality by soothing your muscles and nerves, setting the stage for a restful night.
Relieves symptoms of achalasia
Achalasia, a condition where the oesophagus has trouble moving food to the stomach, can be relieved by drinking warm water. The warmth helps relax the oesophageal muscles, making swallowing easier. People with achalasia often experience less discomfort after consuming warm water with meals.
Alleviates body pain
Warm water can ease body aches by improving blood circulation, which helps reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles. Whether it’s joint pain or muscle cramps, one of the key hot water benefits is its natural ability to relieve pain by relaxing tense areas. This can be particularly useful for those recovering from physical exertion or managing chronic pain conditions, making warm water a simple, effective remedy for daily discomfort.
Soothes menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus and one of the benefits of drinking warm water is its ability to help relax those muscles. Increasing blood flow to the abdominal area can reduce the severity of cramps. Drinking warm water during your period offers a natural and gentle way to ease discomfort without relying on medication.
Improves blood circulation
Warm water helps dilate your blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely throughout your body. This improved circulation supports heart health and helps muscles recover faster after exertion. Consistent drinking of warm water can contribute to overall better cardiovascular health.
Better for your dental health
For those with sensitive teeth, warm water is gentler than cold water. It can clean your mouth without causing sharp pain, which cold water might trigger. Warm water also helps remove food particles and bacteria more effectively, promoting better oral hygiene.
Relieves constipation
Warm water stimulates bowel movements by softening stools and encouraging regularity. Drinking it first thing in the morning can “wake up” your digestive system, helping relieve constipation. Among the many benefits of drinking warm water, it serves as a simple, natural remedy for those who often experience sluggish digestion, ensuring things move smoothly and improving overall gut health.
Reduces shivering during cold conditions
Warm water can help stabilise your core temperature during cold weather. Shivering is your body’s way of generating heat and by drinking warm water, you give your body a faster way to warm up from the inside. It’s an effective way to stay comfortable during winter.
Eliminate spicy taste faster
When you eat spicy food, warm water can help neutralise the burning sensation in your mouth faster than cold water. It works by dissolving the capsaicin more effectively, giving quicker relief. This makes warm water a handy option for those who love spicy meals but want to ease the heat afterwards. It's one of the many practical benefits of drinking warm water that can offer immediate comfort when you need it.
Things to consider when drinking warm water
- Avoid drinking water that is too hot to prevent burns.
- Let the water cool slightly if it’s been boiled.
- Excessive consumption of warm water can lead to digestive discomfort.
- Always check the temperature before offering warm water to children or the elderly.
- Avoid using warm water from the tap due to potential contaminants.
- Drink in moderation, especially if you have sensitive teeth.
- Consult a doctor if you have a medical condition impacted by temperature.
Wrapping up
As the old saying goes, “Too much of anything can be harmful”. While the benefits of drinking warm water are plenty, balance is key. Drinking too much can lead to discomfort, so it’s essential to listen to your body and drink in moderation. If you have specific health concerns, it's wise to consult with your doctor to ensure warm water is beneficial for you and fits your personal health needs.
FAQs
When is the best time to drink warm water?
The best time to drink warm water depends on what you’re looking to achieve. In the morning, it can kickstart digestion and flush out toxins. Drinking it before meals can aid digestion and prevent overeating. At night, warm water helps relax your muscles and improve sleep quality.
Does hot water burn belly fat?
Drinking hot water alone doesn’t burn belly fat. However, staying hydrated, including warm water, can support weight loss by boosting metabolism, improving digestion and helping you feel fuller, which may reduce overeating. So, combine drinking warm water with a healthy diet and regular exercise for effective weight loss.
Are there any disadvantages of drinking hot water?
Yes, there can be some downsides to drinking hot water if you're not careful. Drinking it when it is too hot can burn your mouth or throat, causing discomfort. Drinking very hot water regularly may also stress your digestive system over time. To avoid this, it’s best to stick with warm water at a soothing and comfortable temperature.