The Best Water Temperature for Hydration and Digestion, According to a Nurse

Although drinking water at any temperature can be healthy, you might be curious about the best temperature for various health goals. Drinking enough water prevents dehydration, regulates body temperature, helps eliminate waste, and more.

Cold water: ideal for hydration

More research is needed to determine whether drinking water temperature affects a person’s health. Some older research has shown that drinking cold water can help with hydration:

• Drinking cold water can help your body cool down after spending time in the heat. An older study from 2012 found that drinking cold water can lower core body temperature. This can be helpful after a workout or when spending time in hot weather.
• A small 2013 study found that drinking cold water after exercising in a hot environment may be more hydrating than drinking water at other temperatures. Study participants who were dehydrated after exercising in the heat were given water to drink. Those who drank cold water drank more and sweated less. Researchers determined that the ideal water temperature for dehydrated athletes was 60.8 F (16 C).
• A small 2014 study found that drinking cold water may also lead to a slight increase in energy expenditure. This means that your body can burn more calories drinking cold water than drinking hot or room temperature water. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

Drinking cold water is safe for most people. However, an older study from 2012 found that drinking cold water could make achalasia worse. Achalasia is a chronic condition that causes difficulty swallowing and passing food into the esophagus.

If you enjoy working out in hot weather, such as attending a hot yoga class, consider drinking cold water during and after your workout to cool down and rehydrate.

Lukewarm water: ideal for digestion

Drinking lukewarm water can support healthy digestion and reduce the risk of constipation. Drinking water at any temperature is beneficial for your gastrointestinal tract. It keeps food moving and promotes healthy bowel movements. A common cause of constipation is lack of water.

A 2016 study found that drinking warm water after surgery could improve bowel movements. Study participants who drank lukewarm water were also able to pass gas much sooner than those who didn’t drink it. More research is needed to determine whether drinking warm or hot water is beneficial for gut health.

If you like to start your morning with a hot coffee, consider sipping a cup of warm water first. This can get your digestive system moving for the day.

Hot water: ideal in case of congestion

Just like warm water, drinking hot water can benefit digestion and prevent constipation.

Drinking warm water can also soothe a sore throat or nasal congestion. An older study from 2008 found that drinking a warm beverage can provide quick relief for a cough, runny nose, or sore throat. When you drink hot water, you naturally inhale the steam. This can moisturize your nasal passages and prevent dryness.

Drinking warm water may be more beneficial than cold or room temperature water for upper respiratory infections. However, it is important to stay hydrated with water at any temperature. If you don’t prefer hot water, feel free to sip cold or room temperature water.