When it comes to our daily water intake, the ICMR recommends consuming around 6-8 glasses of water each day or 1.9 liters (this includes water present in food) in temperate climates. While this may not be new information, it is certainly not the whole picture. While you may be drinking adequate amounts of water, its temperature can determine how it benefits your body. In this article, we will focus on whether you should be consuming cold water. It is a pertinent question since there is still widespread confusion about the side effects of drinking cold water and its possible benefits.
Parents, community elders, and even doctors sometimes call drinking cold water a bad habit. Here are some risks that usually contribute to these perceptions.
But besides these side effects of drinking cold water, there are some benefits to it as well.
Along with all these benefits, cold water may sometimes be a quick fix for an instant energy boost, leading to higher alertness and focus, particularly in demanding or stressful scenarios.
Cold water consumption can give you several benefits if you consume it in moderation. At the same time, if you are susceptible to/suffering from cough, cold, sore throat, fever, and other such ailments, then it is best to avoid it. The same applies to those with chronic digestion issues.
Conversely, those working out regularly can use it to boost performance and cool down better after every session. To sum up, most of the benefits of water consumption apply to cold water as well. Hence, even though there’s a perpetual cold vs hot water debate, the fact remains the effects vary from one person to another. Taking both the benefits and risks into account, it can be said that the answer to the question largely rests on your individual preferences and health.
Yes, Bisleri water is considered safe as it undergoes a stringent 10-stage purification process and 90 quality checks before making its way to you.
Drinking cold water can affect the heart by stimulating the vagus nerve, which can lower heart rate. While this is usually not a problem for most people, those with certain heart conditions might experience discomfort. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about how cold water might impact your heart.
Chilled water can be beneficial in specific scenarios, such as cooling down the body during exercise. However, it might cause digestive issues, exacerbate migraines, and affect respiratory health by increasing mucus production. It’s best to consume chilled water in moderation and based on personal tolerance.
Drinking cold water can help lower body temperature and can also aid in staying hydrated in hot weather, making it a good option for those looking to cool down quickly.
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions related to your health.
Please note that there has been limited research on the side effects and benefits of drinking cold water in the Indian context. Therefore, authoritative international sources have been referred to in this article to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/is-drinking-cold-water-bad-for-you
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3472188/
DGI_07th_May_2024_fin.pdf (icmr.nic.in)
Headache caused by drinking cold water is common and related to active migraine - PubMed (nih.gov)