If you are a health conscious person, you most likely start your day with a delicious cup of warm water. Some people are under the impression that a hot cup of coffee or tea is the optimal beverage to drink to start the day, but this isn’t true. Water acts as a solvent, lubricant, and building material for all of the organs and systems in the body. Without water, they cannot function optimally. What’s even more interesting is that the temperature of the water can increase the benefits.
Why Warm Water?
Some people only drink water if it’s ice cold and think that it’s blasphemy to drink warm water. “You don’t even brew tea in the warm water?” No, the answer is no. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the belief is that hot water expels excess humidity from the body. It works to promote circulation, which encourages healthy detoxification and muscle relaxation. Cold water, on the other hand, may actually suppress organ function and cause muscle cramps.
We don’t want to discourage people from drinking water because water is life. The more water you drink, the better. If you can start your day with warm water, though, you’ll be doing your body a favor. Sip warm water and you can experience the following benefits.
Improves Digestion
In general, water, no matter what temperature it is, is beneficial for the digestive system. It can help relieve constipation by regulating bowel movements. Warm water has an easier time dissolving things, for example, salt and sugar dissolve in hot water with ease. Since the gut has to break down food, the theory is that warm water can accelerate the rate at which this process happens. Drinking warm water, then, may reduce the risk of constipation by supporting regular bowel movements.
Boosts Immune Function
The immune system plays a major role in regulating overall health. If the immune system is weak, however, its ability to ward off harmful pathogens, viruses, and bacteria. According to several studies, drinking warm water works to protect the body from myriad infections. Hot water may also help enhance immune function.
Aids With Weight Loss
If your goal is to lose weight, hydration is one of the most important factors. Many research studies confirm that a person must drink water to promote more weight loss. The reason for this is because water helps keep the body full and helps to flush out waste. A 2003 study found that switching from cold water to hot water increased weight loss. In fact, drinking 500 milliliters of warm water before a meal accelerated metabolism by 30%. If the water you drink is the same temperature as the body (98.6º F), you can experience a 40% increase in metabolism.
Promotes Detoxification
Many practitioners of alternative wellness and herbal healing believe that hot water aids total body detoxification. When you drink warm water, you help raise the body’s core temperature. This works to stimulate the sweating process, which is one of the primary ways the body expels toxins. In general, water is necessary for the kidneys and liver, both of which help to cleanse the body of waste.
Relieves Congestion
Many people are of the mind that a person who experiences congestion should not consume cold liquids. Cold liquids may worsen a cold, whereas hot water may actually promote decongestion. Hot water helps to soften mucus, making it easier to expel phlegm. If you can successfully unclog the sinuses and open the airways, you are less likely to experience sinus headaches and coughing. Warm water may also reduce coughing fits and general cold symptoms.
Easier On The Teeth
Believe it or not, cold water can easily irritate the teeth. As you get older, you may find that teeth and gums are more sensitive to colder temperatures. Filling materials are also sensitive to colder temperatures. Dentists advise that warm water is healthier for the teeth and better for their longevity. If you have fillings and drink warm water, you’ll have much lower risk of fillings de-bonding from those teeth.
Improves Blood Circulation
Improving blood circulation makes the digestive system function at a higher level. Poor circulation can result in a slower metabolic rate and loss of appetite. But improving blood circulation is beneficial for all the major organs and systems in the body. People who are dehydrated benefit more from drinking warm water because it helps improve circulation more than cold water. Hot water is a vasodilator, meaning it works to expand blood vessels. In doing so, muscles can relax and circulation improves.
