Drinking water has many benefits. Water keeps your body hydrated, providing cushioning for your joints and fuel for your bodily functions. While cold water can be refreshing at times, drinking hot water holds specific health benefits. There may be science behind needing that morning coffee, after all!
Research recommends drinking water at a temperature between 130 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit first thing in the morning or just before bed. Drinking warm water can aid in digestion, provide sinus relief, and even have a relaxing effect. While these health benefits are based on reports rather than research, drinking hot water is a health anecdote trusted by many cultures over time. People swear by the benefits of drinking hot beverages and say this simple home remedy can “cure” a host of ailments. Let’s take a closer look at 8 reasons why drinking more hot water could be in your best interest.
8 Potential Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Water
1. Drinking hot water can provide sinus relief.
Drinking hot beverages can relieve nasal congestion, but the healing effect might be more than just physical. Your cup of hot coffee or warm tea creates steam, and taking a deep breath of this warm vapor can work to break up clogged sinuses and provide some relief from the pressure. Plus, it’s comforting– like a hug for your brain!
If you have a sore throat, the mucous membranes in your sinuses and throat may be inflamed. Drinking hot water can help to break apart mucus buildup and provide a soothing sensation to your sore throat.
Hot water provides quick relief for cold symptoms like a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. Research shows that the hot drinks were more effective at providing lasting relief than drinks at room temperature.
2. Enjoy better digestion.
If you think of water as fuel, drinking hot water works as a lubricant to keep the digestive process moving smoothly. When your body is properly hydrated, your stomach and other organs can operate at full capacity to eliminate toxins and waste from your body.
Many people prefer to drink warm water in the morning to activate the digestive system. While drinking too much water during a meal can lead to heartburn, it’s important to stay hydrated so that your digestive system is ready for whatever comes its way.
3. Get support for your central nervous system.
Dehydration can have serious effects on your day to day life, leading to mood swings or brain fog. Simply drinking water can improve brain function, mood, and even symptoms of anxiety. One study showed that drinking hot water improved central nervous system activity, and participants were more capable of responding to demanding situations and anxiety triggers.
4. Drinking hot water stops constipation.
Another uncomfortable side effect of dehydration is constipation. Many times, drinking water is effective at relieving constipation. And drinking water consistently is a great way to prevent constipation. Drinking hot water helps soften stool, making it easier to pass and keeping bowel movements regular.
5. Drinking warm water can help with weight loss.
Does drinking warm water help you lose weight? People sometimes attribute weight loss to drinking warm fluids or incorporating more water into their daily diet. While there are likely several other factors that contribute to maintaining a healthy weight, making an effort to drink hot water throughout the day can help manage cravings and present the sensation of fullness between meals.
6. Reduce stress with a warm beverage.
You know now that drinking hot beverages supports central nervous system function, and that can work to reduce stress and promote relaxation for some. Drinking a hot beverage helps your bodily functions to run smoothly, but can soothe your mind as well. Hydration results in feelings of calm, satisfaction, and more positive responses. And because water helps to regulate brain function, it can be helpful for anxiety and stress, too.
7. Drinking hot water flushes toxins from the body.
Drinking water is proven to help detox important systems in the body. Hydration is vital for proper kidney function and diluting waste in the blood. While both cold and hot water provide these health benefits, hot water can be easier on the body. Drinking hot water consistently is important for fighting inflammation, lubricating joints, flushing toxins from your body, and preventing gout.
8. Enjoy better circulation.
Drinking a hot beverage when you’re cold doesn’t just feel good, the science backs the benefits! Research suggests that drinking hot water promotes circulation and helps the body to regulate temperature. The study found that drinking hot drinks reduced shivering in cold conditions. The subjects were put into freezing conditions and given water at different temperatures. The research found that the hot drinks helped the subjects to regulate their body temperature with less effort, conserving energy. For those training or working in cold conditions, drinking hot water could be extremely beneficial for both health and comfort.
Drinking hot water has countless health benefits!
Although there is little direct evidence that hot water is better for the body, it’s apparent there are countless health benefits. Drinking hot water can be easier on the body for some and is a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day.
The best way to take advantage of the benefits of drinking hot water is to turn it into a habit. To jumpstart your digestion and shake away brain fog, begin your day with a glass of hot water. Coffee or tea can be a great way to ease your mind into the hot beverage habit, but try to alternate or add a cup of hot water to the routine. For a more relaxing effect, drink a glass of hot water before bed to unwind after a stressful day and encourage sleep naturally.
If you struggle with drinking water because of the taste, add a squeeze of citrus or even honey to your hot drink. A reverse osmosis filtration (RO) system is one of the easiest ways to get great tasting hot water straight from your tap. RO gets rid of minerals and contaminants so you can enjoy the clearest, crispest taste when drinking water. Contact Rayne today to start enjoying the benefits of clean, quality drinking water right at your fingertips!