Drinking cold water can have certain effects on the body that may not be anticipated or desired. Cold water can potentially hinder the digestion process. When you drink cold water, especially during or after a meal, it may cause the blood vessels and muscles in the digestive system to constrict.
This constriction can slow down the digestion process, making it more difficult for the body to break down food and absorb nutrients efficiently. Some studies suggest that drinking cold water can temporarily increase the metabolic rate. The body needs to expend energy to warm up the cold water to match its internal temperature. However, this effect is relatively small and short-lived, and it does not significantly contribute to weight loss or overall metabolism.
An older and small study from 1978, involving 15 people, found that drinking cold water made nasal mucous thicker and more difficult to pass through the respiratory tract. By comparison, the researchers found that chicken soup and hot water helped people breathe more easily. If you’re trying to treat a cold or flu, drinking cold water might make your congestion feel worse.
Drinking very cold water can cause tooth sensitivity or discomfort, especially in individuals with sensitive teeth or dental issues. The extreme temperature contrast between the cold water and the teeth can trigger pain or sensitivity in the teeth and gums. While cold water may provide temporary relief for a sore throat, it can also exacerbate throat irritation or discomfort in some cases.
There are some health conditions that drinking cold water can aggravate. Research from 2001 linked drinking cold water with triggering migraine in people who already experience migraine. The pain related to achalasia[1], a rare condition that limits your body’s ability to pass food through your esophagus, can also get worse when you drink cold water with a meal, according to a 2012 study.
Cold water can cause the muscles in the throat to contract, leading to temporary tightness or a reflexive cough. Despite the potential drawbacks, drinking cold water can still contribute to overall hydration. Some people find cold water more refreshing and easier to consume, which can encourage them to drink an adequate amount of fluids.
In traditional Chinese medicine, drinking cold water with hot food is believed to create an imbalance. Typically, meals in the Chinese culture are served with warm water or hot tea, instead. This belief is mirrored in several other cultures around the world. Some people hold a similar belief that drinking cold water on a hot day won’t help cool you down. There isn’t enough research to conclude that either belief is true or false. According to a 2012 study, drinking cold water during exercise can help keep your body from overheating and make your workout session more successful. This is probably because drinking cold water makes it easier for your body to maintain a lower core temperature.
Proper hydration is essential for maintaining bodily functions, regulating body temperature, supporting digestion, and promoting overall health. It’s important to note that individual responses to cold water can vary. Some individuals may be more sensitive to temperature contrasts, while others may not experience any adverse effects. It’s essential to listen to your body and choose a water temperature that feels comfortable for you.
While there is much debate over drinking ice-cold water versus drinking room-temperature water, medical experts can agree on one thing–just drink water to stay hydrated. Your preferences in water temperature won’t matter when it comes to the ultimate goal of why you’re drinking water in the first place—to stay hydrated and to keep your body healthy and happy.
Is it safe for pregnant women to drink cold water? Scientifically…it is always safe to consume cold drinks because whatever the temperature of the food or drink is, when it gets to the stomach and intestines, it automatically changes to your body temperature….therefore taking cold drinks doesn’t affect your growing baby.
Footnotes
- Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax and the absence of coordinated peristaltic contractions in the esophagus. This results in difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of undigested food, and chest pain. The exact cause of achalasia is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and autoimmune factors. Diagnosis typically involves a series of tests, including esophageal manometry, barium swallow, and endoscopy, to evaluate the function and structure of the esophagus. Treatment options include medications to relax the LES, pneumatic dilation (balloon dilation) of the LES, or surgical intervention such as a Heller myotomy. Long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor for complications such as esophageal dilation and the development of esophageal cancer. [Back]
Further Reading
Sources
- “What Are the Risks and Benefits of Drinking Cold Water?” (Updated on March 16, 2023) https://www.healthline.com/health/is-drinking-cold-water-bad-for-you
- ntagliata, C. (2014, August 1). Does drinking cold water burn calories? Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-drinking-cold-water/
- Gorman, J. M., & Bode, A. M. (2018). Water, Hydration and Health. Nutrients, 10(12), 1942. doi: 10.3390/nu10121942
- “5 Ways Drinking Chilled Water Affects your Body” (March 27, 2019) https://www.kent.co.in/blog/5-ways-drinking-chilled-water-affects-your-body/
- Pinto, V. X. (2019). Tooth sensitivity related to water intake temperature. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research, 9(2), 180–183. doi: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2018.10.004
- “One Major Effect of Drinking Ice Cold Water, Says Science” (August 26, 2021) https://www.eatthis.com/one-major-effect-drinking-cold-water/
- “Is Drinking Cold Water Bad for You? Risks and Benefits” (2023) https://svalbardi.com/blogs/water/cold-water
- “Is drinking cold water bad for a person?” (April 26, 2019) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325038
- “Does Drinking Ice-Cold Water on a Hot Day Cool You Down?” (May 8, 2018) https://www.billi-uk.com/news/does-drinking-ice-cold-water-on-a-hot-day-cool-you-down/
- “Is it OK to drink ice-cold water while pregnant?” (September 20, 2011) https://community.babycenter.com/post/a29484163/is_it_ok_to_drink_ice_cold_water_while_pregnant
