Drinking sufficient water is extremely important for each one of us. Usually, it is suggested that one must drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. But very few people know about the fact the temperature of the water is also important for your health. Many of us prefer to drink cold or chilled water to quench our thirst, without knowing that it can do more harm than good.
Here are some of the harmful effects of drinking cold water:
Digestion: Cold water can have serious implications on digestion. Cold water, or for that matter cold beverages, restricts digestion and contracts the blood vessels. This is because of the reason that your body has to shift focus to maintaining body temperature from digestion.
Heart Rate: Cold water should be avoided as it decreases the heart rate. Studies have found that drinking cold water can also stimulate the vagus nerve, which controls the involuntary functions of the body.
Fat Breakdown: Cold water is also not good for fat breakdown. It has been found that cold water just after meal can reduce the body’s ability to break down fats.
Constipation: Cold water consumption can also lead to constipation. This is because chilled water solidifies and hardens food when passing through the body. Also, intestines contract because of cold water and thus lead to constipation.
Shocks your body: Cold water must be avoided right after a workout. Chilled or extremely cold water shocks our bodies and can lead to chronic stomach pain. We all know that the body generates a lot of heat during workouts. Drinking cold water right after that will lead to a temperature mismatch. This can also take a toll on your digestive health.
While it is better to avoid cold water, this doesn’t mean that one should stop or drink less water. One should try to consume room-temperature water in order to avoid the problems mentioned above.
Also Read: – World Liver Day 2022: Tips for Cleansing and Maintaining Healthy Liver
