Does the temperature of the water you drink matter? Believe it or not – it does matter.
Ever wondered why our fore-parents kept looking young for a very long time? I personally believe it had a lot to do with the fact that
They drank water and other fruit drinks from its natural source, and at the right temperature.
Medical researchers have varying opinions regarding whether drinking cold water is as good for you as drinking tepid water, particularly when you are exercising.
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that water and other drinks be chilled when used for exercise as they suggest that cold water is absorbed faster by your body than water at room temperature or body temperature.
However the Chinese and Tibetans have discussed the effects of cold liquids on one’s health for thousands of years. According to this theory – it’s very basic: the nature of cold is to contract and constrict. Drinking cold liquids causes constriction of the blood vessels and nerves in the stomach and digestive tract creating spasm, tightness and restricted circulation. Digestion requires heat; in other words, yang or metabolic energy to digest.
Cold extinguishes this heat, preventing proper digestion and assimilation of food, toxic gases and byproducts of this failed process. It also forces the body to expend additional yang/heat or metabolic energy further draining the organs from which this energy originates: Kidney yang/Adrenals. This leads to slowing of metabolism, weight gain, adrenal insufficiency, thyroid problems, etc.
Some doctors suggest that room temperature or body temperature water is better than cold water, because the body has to expend energy to heat cold water to body temperature, resulting in some water loss.
On the other hand, some doctors say that after physical exertion, you should drink cold water since it will help cool the body more effectively than room temperature water.
What is clear is most people who drink cold water are likely to consume more of it, since it tends to taste better and is more satisfying. Even if drinking cold water results in marginal water loss, the extra water you will probably drink will help make up for this.
However the problem is that as the COLD drinks pass through our system, they solidify the fats from the foods we have just eaten or are eating at present. This makes the body find it harder to digest and disperse the unwanted fats from our body.
However, if we simply swap our cold drinks for warm fluids, this helps the fats in our foods to remain fluid and so easing the digestive system and helping the fats pass through our body (and reduce risk of clogged arteries).
Also warm/hot water relaxes the body better. Cold water might be more refreshing, but it may disrupt your vocal cords, that’s why singers always drink room temperature water.
The best indicator on whether your body is getting enough water is urine colour, If your urine is dark yellow, chances are you’re not getting enough water. If you pass clear to very light coloured yellow urine, your fluid intake is adequate. Remember that urine colour in the morning will always be a little darker.
While the controversy continues, what is clear by all reports is that it is vitally important to drink water and stay hydrated, how you decide to take it, weigh up the evidence the choice is yours.
I have been drinking room temperature, or cool water for many years now and rarely drink iced water, the difference I have noticed is that after the temporary pleasure of drinking Iced water, there is the brain freeze and the uncomfortable stomach ache that often accompanies the consumption of cold water.
Drinking room temperature water is a habit that can easily be acquired, after all it seems to make sense that consuming water the same temperature as your blood, would be a compliment to your bodily processes.
Dorneth Cox
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