Warm Water vs Cold Water: What Should You Drink After Waking Up?

Warm Water vs Cold Water: What Should You Drink After Waking Up?

Depending on who you ask, people swear by hot or cold water. While some like it hot, others love drinking cold. In the Indian context, drinking hot or warm water is deeply rooted in our culture, as it is said to boost metabolism and help with digestion. Drinking cold water, on the other hand, is generally frowned upon, with most households attributing it to the major cause of cold and throat concerns. But how much of this warm water vs cold water debate is actually based in science, and how much of it is just made-up pseudoscience? Let’s find out.

Why Drinking Water in the Morning Is Important

Regardless of your stance on the hot vs cold water debate, we can safely say drinking water is the most important morning routine you should add to your life. While there’s no universal recommendation on how much water to drink every morning, a general guideline is to drink anywhere between 250 and 500 ml a few minutes after you’re awake. Doing so helps rehydrate your body, kickstart your metabolism for the day, flush out toxins, and keep you alert.

Drinking warm water in the morning—is it good?

Many people, especially those following age-old Indian practices or Ayurvedic recommendations, drink warm water in the morning. It is known to have a calming and soothing effect on the body. But there are a few more benefits to drinking warm or hot water; let’s look at them:

Benefits of Drinking Warm Water in the Morning

Based on research regarding thermal comfort, the optimal temperature for warm beverages should be between 40 degrees and 50 degrees Celsius to avoid thermal injury to the oesophagus. Here are a few ways drinking liquids within this range can help you:

• Relieves Nasal Congestion

A warm mug of water is known to help relieve cough, runny nose, and sore throat. Another key benefit of hot water is that inhaling the steam that it releases can also help clear up your sinuses and prevent sinus headaches.

• Improves Central Nervous System Function

A mug or two of warm water is said to improve how your central nervous system functions and also uplift your mood by providing a soothing sensory experience.

• Could Help Relieve Constipation

A major cause of constipation is dehydration. Drinking warm water helps keep you hydrated, while its warming effect can help stimulate intestinal movement.

• Detoxifies Your Body

While hydration itself is what supports the kidneys in flushing waste, warm water can increase body temperature slightly, which may help improve overall circulation and the efficiency of the body’s natural elimination processes.

Who Should Prefer Warm Water in Morning

Let’s look at who can benefit the most:

• Drinking warm water is ideal for people with bloating and poor digestion, as it may help relax stomach muscles.

• People with cramps and joint pain can get brief relief from pain, as warm water can improve local blood circulation.

• People with constipation should drink warm water, as it assists the digestive system in moving food along.

Drinking Cold Water in the Morning—Should You Avoid It?

Drinking cold water is generally safe for most people, as it serves the primary purpose of keeping your body hydrated while also helping lift your mood and alertness.

Benefits of Drinking Cold Water

There are a few intriguing benefits of drinking cold water. Here are a few:

• Improved Exercise Performance: When you work out, your core body temperature increases. In such cases, having cold water can help regulate your temperature to prevent overheating.

• Slight Metabolic Boost: Interestingly, cold water in morning can slightly increase metabolism, as the body must expend a small amount of energy (calories) to heat the water to core body temperature.

• Quicker Rehydration: Cool water (around 10–15°C) is often found more palatable than warm water, which may encourage you to drink more throughout the day and stay better hydrated.

• Increased Awareness and Alertness: Cold water can provide a mild “shock” to the system that increases alertness and reduces feelings of fatigue.

Possible Side Effects of Cold Water in Morning

A few side effects could include:

• People with sensitive digestion or conditions like achalasia may experience discomfort, as cold temperatures can occasionally slow down the relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter.

• People with a higher propensity to catch a cold or those with sensitive nerves in the throat might experience temporary irritation.

• Some people may experience “brain freeze” or triggered headaches when consuming very cold water too quickly.

Warm Water vs Cold Water – Key Differences

There are a few differences between warm water and cold water and how they impact your body:

• Warm water helps soothe the digestive tract and likely relieves cramps, whereas cold water is excellent for lowering core body temperature during heat or exercise.

• Warm water can lead to local vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), while cold water causes temporary local vasoconstriction.

• Warm water provides a calming effect, while cold water acts as a quick energy boost for alertness.

Which Is Better After Waking Up—Warm or Cold Water?

Ideally, drinking warm water is the better option after waking up for those looking to soothe their digestive system and encourage a bowel movement. However, if your goal is to feel instantly alert, cool water is a great choice.

Expert Tips for Drinking Water in the Morning

Here are a few expert tips to make the best out of drinking water in the morning:

• Drink water within a few minutes of waking up.

• Drink at least 2 cups (250–500 mL) of water every day.

• Wait for about 30 minutes after drinking water before having breakfast to allow your digestive system to prepare.

• Consistency is key; make it a part of your daily routine.

The Verdict: Warm or Cold?

The debate between warm water vs cold water holds significant importance in India. Though there’s no single “correct” temperature for everyone, choosing based on your body’s needs—warm for digestion and cool for hydration and energy—can help your mood and general well-being.