Drinking water, whether hot or cold, helps maintain the body healthily and hydrated.
In an article written by Healthline, drinking hot water can help improve digestion, ease congestion, and even encourage relaxation.
When consuming hot beverages, research indicates that an appropriate temperature range of 130 to 160°F (54 to 71°C) is optimal. Above this point, temperatures might result in burns or scalds.
Below are 10 medical conditions that can be managed by drinking hot water.
1. May relieve nasal congestion
Taking a deep inhale of moderate stream vapour while holding a cup of hot water may help loosen blocked sinuses and perhaps cure a sinus headache.
Because your sinuses and throat are lined with mucous membranes, sipping hot water may help warm that area and alleviate a sore throat caused by mucus accumulation.
According to a study, a hot beverage such as tea gave immediate and lasting relief from runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and fatigue. The heated beverage was more effective than the cold beverage.
2. It may be beneficial for digestion
Consuming water aids in the digestion process. The movement of water through the stomach and intestines improves the body’s ability to remove waste.
According to some studies, drinking hot water is particularly beneficial for activating the digestive tract. Hot water can help dissolve and evaporate meals that your body may have had difficulty digesting. It is indicated that warm water may have beneficial effects on intestinal movement and gas expulsion following surgery.
3. May enhance central nervous system function
Not drinking enough water, hot or cold, can have a detrimental influence on the functioning of your nervous system, impairing your mood and cognitive function.
Drinking water has been demonstrated to boost both central nervous system activity and mood.
Consuming water increased participants’ brain activity during strenuous exercises and also decreased their self-reported anxiety.
4. May aid in constipation relief
Constipation is frequently caused by dehydration. Drinking water is frequently an effective approach to alleviate and avoid constipation. Maintaining adequate hydration aids in the softening of stool and makes it easier to pass.
Consuming hot water on a regular basis may assist maintain regular bowel motions.
5. Prevents dehydration
While some research indicates that hot water is optimal for rehydration, drinking water at any temperature will help you stay hydrated.
Additionally, you require significantly more water if you are pregnant or nursing, participating in physical activity, or working in a hot area.
Consider beginning your day with a cup of hot water and ending it with another. Water is required by your body for virtually every critical function, thus its importance cannot be emphasised.
6. Prevents shivering in cold weather
While the body’s natural response to hot environments is to shiver, a study discovered that drinking warm fluids can assist reduce shivering.
Researchers discovered that rapidly consuming hot water assisted people in exerting less effort to maintain their body temperature. This could be advantageous for people who work or exercise in hot environments.
7. Improves circulation
Blood flow is critical for everything from blood pressure to cardiovascular disease risk.
Taking a warm bath assists your circulatory organs, arteries, and veins, in expanding and properly transporting blood throughout your body.
Similarly, drinking hot water can have the same effect. Additionally, the warmth provided by sipping hot water or bathing at night may help you relax and prepare for healthy sleep.
8. May help alleviate stress
Because hot water aids in the improvement of central nervous system processes, you may find yourself feeling less stressed if you drink it.
According to a study, dehydration decreased feelings of calm, pleasure, and good emotions. By staying hydrated, you may be able to increase your mood and degree of relaxation.
9. May help the body’s detoxification systems
A study discovered that drinking more water can assist protect the kidneys by diluting waste chemicals in the blood. It can also aid in the fight against inflammation, keep joints lubricated, and avoid gout.
10. May help relieve symptoms of achalasia
Achalasia is a condition in which the oesophagus has difficulty transporting food to the stomach.
Achalasia patients have difficulty swallowing. They may have the sensation that food becomes trapped in their oesophagus rather than going to the stomach. This is referred to as dysphagia.
A study discovered that drinking warm water may help persons with achalasia digest more pleasantly.
