It is pretty common knowledge that we all need to stay well hydrated by drinking enough quality water each day. If you want to discover more about the importance of water quality, check out this blog. So back to the question I proposed for this blog: Does the Temperature of Your Drinking Water Matter? Well according to both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic teachings, the temperature of the water you drink is very important. Let’s look at some of the potential benefits of drinking hot water.
Benefits
- Digestion can be improved as it has been speculated that drinking hot water helps breakdown food faster. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed that the stomach needs adequate heat (fire) to be able to breakdown food. Think of your stomach as the “cooking pot” which needs constant heat to work properly and breakdown your food. Consequently, when the stomach is not working correctly, it can lead to slow digestion, malabsorption, bloating, weight gain, and stomach pain. In contrast, cold water can constrict and slow digestion.
- Detoxification may be improved as the hot water raises a person’s body temperature, therefore causing sweating. Sweating in turn expels toxins and helps clean out your pores.
- Improved Circulation as the warmer water causes vasodilation which expands the blood vessels, improving circulation. As a result this can help your muscles to relax and reduce pain.
- Weight Loss can be encouraged with drinking hot water. One study found that water even heated to 98 degrees accounted for a 40% increase in metabolism.
- Colds and Sinus Conditions may be improved by drinking hot water because it can help mucous move more quickly. Coughing and nose blowing can be more productive with drinking hot water.
With all these potential benefits there still may be times when cold water will be better such as when you are exercising, or it is really hot outside, and you need to bring your body temperature down.
Best Temp?
So, what is the best temperature for hot drinking water to be? It has been suggested that the temperature be between 130 to 140 degrees. This temperature can also eliminate any pathogenic bacteria components in the water. It is important to not drink the water too hot as this can scald the lips, tongue, or the inner lining of the mouth. We all know how awful that can be! Also, having hot water available all day does take some extra time. I love using my Yeti thermos for this. I still have to heat the water, but the Yeti keeps it warm for a few hours.
I have been doing this for about a month now. I do think it has helped with digestion. It certainly feels good now that the weather is getting chillier! Do you regularly drink hot water? Would you be willing to give it a try? Let me know if you do and if you notice any changes.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Heather
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Thanks for this article. I will attempt drinking more hot water during the day.
That is great! You have to let me know how it goes.