Find out the truth about the myth that drinking cold water can make you sick. Discover the health benefits of cold water and how to stay hydrated effectively.
Can you get sick from drinking cold water?
When the weather is hot, it is indeed nice to be able to drink cold and refreshing ice water. The question now is, is it true that ice water is good for health? Some people think that ice water has a bad effect because it can make the body bigger (bloated) due to retaining water. To answer whether the opinion above is true or not, let’s look at the following dangers of drinking ice water.
Dangers of Drinking Ice Water (cold water) for Health
Unfortunately, it is true that ice water is not good for your health. This is because ice water can:
- Makes it difficult for the body to digest food
- Affects energy levels in the body
- Causes sore throat
- Slows down the heart rate
- Triggers fat accumulation
We can see a detailed explanation for each point below:
- Makes it difficult for the body to digest food
When ice water enters the body, the blood vessels will constrict so that the digestive system does not function optimally. If this happens, then the nutrients from food cannot be distributed properly throughout the body. As a result, the body can be malnourished and experience serious health problems over time.
- Affects energy levels in the body
The body needs to maintain its temperature at around 37 degrees Celsius, but drinking cold water can lower that temperature. As a result, the body has to work harder to return its temperature to normal. Of course, this process requires more energy. Over time, this process can make you easily feel tired and even sick.
- Causes sore throat
The next danger of drinking iced water is that it can trigger the accumulation of mucus or mucus in the respiratory tract. If the layer continues to accumulate, the respiratory tract will be a little ‘stuck’, triggering infections that lead to throat disorders. Therefore, do not drink iced water often.
- Slows down the heart rate
Several studies confirm that the dangers of drinking ice water can stimulate the 10th cranial nerve , the vagus nerve. This nerve has many functions, one of which is to control the heartbeat. The decrease in body temperature due to ice water can stimulate the performance of this nerve, causing the heartbeat to slow down.
- Triggers fat accumulation
It turns out that what most people fear about the dangers of drinking ice water for swelling body size is true. Basically, the body needs layers of fat to be able to warm the cold water that enters the stomach. Thus, the stomach needs more fat stock, especially if you drink ice water quite often. The situation will get worse if you rarely exercise so that the fat in the stomach accumulates.
So, what is the best way to drink water?
We already understand very well that drinking iced water regularly is dangerous, so what is the best method for drinking water?
- Consider choosing warm or hot water only.
Warm or hot water can boost natural circulation in the lymphatic system, preventing the buildup of toxins. Especially for those of you who want to get pregnant quickly or are approaching menstruation, drinking warm water is highly recommended. Avoid cold water that can inhibit blood circulation so that blood supply to the reproductive organs is reduced.
- Drink enough
How much warm water is needed is certainly different for each person because it all depends on the physical activity being done. The heavier and more physical activity is done, of course the more water is needed.
You may also need more water if you live in a humid/cold climate. People who are pregnant or have lost a lot of fluids from vomiting , diarrhea , or fever also need more water than those who are healthy.
In general, you are advised to drink no less than 8 glasses of water per day. However, if your body remains dehydrated , then do not hesitate to increase the amount of water you consume. Some conditions that may be used as signs that you are dehydrated are yellow urine, the body easily feels tired, and the mind has difficulty focusing.
- Avoid water flavored with ‘flavorings’
Plain water is the healthiest and best choice for your body. You may have thought that vitamin water contains more essential nutrients, but remember that it also contains calories and added sugar.
Actually, if the food consumed already contains sufficient nutrition, you don’t need to drink vitamin water anymore. Not only is it cheap, plain water also has a slimming effect. If you want to add flavor, then it’s better to use healthy and natural ones like lemon.
- The importance of drinking water in the morning
When you sleep at night, your body continues to work to repair damaged cells, and the next day all toxins must be removed immediately. This is one of the reasons why you always go to the bathroom after waking up.
Rather than drinking regular cold water, it is better to drink warm water after waking up. Water that is drunk in a warm condition is not only healthy for the body, but can also help remove toxins and stimulate stomach movements.
- Drink before eating
Drinking warm water before eating is not only good for your health, but it can also make your stomach full, preventing overeating. Moreover, warm water can keep the stomach lining moist so that the acidic nature of food will not irritate the digestive system. Warm water also makes the tongue more sensitive so that food tastes more delicious.