Give up drinking cold icy water in the summers; here are 7 reasons to convince you
Hydration is essential for good health. As a result, doctors typically advise consuming 10 to 12 glasses of water each day.
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Hydration is essential for good health. As a result, doctors typically advise consuming 10 to 12 glasses of water each day. Not only is it not recommended for those suffering from throat conditions, but it is generally not advisable for anyone to drink water straight from the refrigerator. There’s a saying that the repercussions get worse in colder water.
“Excessive consumption of cold water might potentially shock the body’s systems, especially the digestive system, causing some people to experience transient pain or digestive problems. Moreover, extremely cold water may temporarily restrict the blood vessels in the throat, causing soreness or irritation,” Dr Mohan Kumar Singh, senior consultant, internal medicine at Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, mentioned in conversation with Indian Express.
Top 7 reasons to forgo ice-cold water in the summer
Irritation in the throat
“Drinking ice water, especially after a meal, might trigger increased mucus production in the throat, which can worsen symptoms for patients with conditions like colds, flu, or allergies,” stated Yashika Dua, nutrition consultant at Artemis Lite 82A, Gurgaon.
Obstruction in the blood flow
Blood vessels may contract when exposed to cold water, which could lower blood flow to the throat region and impede infection recovery. “This can lead to several unpleasant symptoms, such as bloating, cramping, and even constipation. So, for better digestion, it is better to avoid cold water,” added Vinita Singh Rana, senior dietician at Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad.
Stress in the muscles
Ice-cold water can cause throat muscles to tense, which makes swallowing more painful and challenging for those with sore throat. “It may also cause sore throat, blocked nose, and other respiratory infections,” said Dua.
Impacts heart health and may also cause mild headaches
“This effect is attributed to the activation of the tenth cranial nerve, also called the vagus nerve, a crucial component of the body’s autonomous nervous system responsible for regulating heart rate,” stated Dua.
“This situation can increase the problem for people suffering from sinus problems and for those who live with migraine, if they are sensitive to cold,” mentioned Rana.
Obstructs digestion
“Cold water induces stomach contraction, complicating the digestive process post-meal. The digestive system is particularly sensitive to the influence of cold water as it hinders the natural process of nutrient absorption during digestion,” added Dua.
Affects weight management
The inability of cold water to burn body fat that has been stored thwarts attempts to lose weight. Experts say that drinking cold water right after a meal solidifies the fat from the food, so if you’re trying to lose weight, wait at least 30 minutes thereafter before consuming any cold water.
Sensitivity in the tooth
“When you consume something too cold, it can cause your tooth enamel to weaken, which can lead to sensitivity,” added Rana. “Opting for room-temperature water is recommended to mitigate dental issues,” said Dua.
What could be an alternative?
According to Dua, individuals with sore throats or those who already have teeth sensitivity are generally advised to use room temperature or warm water since it promotes healing.
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