Most individuals who drink hot water do it to improve their health holistically. They make it a point to drink hot water first thing in the morning and right before getting to bed. But does it really help?
Findings suggest that drinking hot water can boost digestion and relieve congestion. It can also lower stress levels. Just keep in mind the temperature, though. Hot water (or you may even call it warm water) is usually between 120o F and 140o F. Anything beyond that may scald your tongue and burn your throat.
There is more to drinking hot water than you might have known. Keep reading to know more!
HOW DRINKING HOT WATER CAN HELP YOU?
The most important benefit of drinking hot water is improved digestion. Hot water intake is also known to ease nasal congestion and the associated stress. It also promotes esophageal health.
IMPROVES DIGESTION
Drinking hot water can activate your digestive tract. This improves the digestion process. Hot water also helps dissipate particles in your system that you might have had trouble digesting.
Hot water also widens the blood vessels and directs blood flow towards your intestine – further enhancing digestion. When you take hot water after a meal, the temperature emulsifies fats and makes them more digestible (in case you suffer from gastric reflux avoid drinking excessive water before and after meals, as this can dilute gastric juices making digestion more difficult, which may cause reflux).
RELIEVES NASAL CONGESTION
Hot water can loosen clogged sinuses and nasal passageways, clearing congestion. This way, it can also relieve a sinus headache.
You have mucus membranes throughout your neck and upper torso. Drinking hot water can help warm these areas and soothe a sore throat (often caused by a mucus build-up).
EASES STRESS
Drinking hot water can boost the functioning of your central nervous system, helping ease stress as well. As per a study, adding warm milk to hot water can further promote the stress-busting effects. However, is important to remember that milk and dairy products promote mucus build-up. This might work for stress reduction, but it wouldn’t work for relieving nasal congestion.
Though the study attributes the stress-busting effects of the liquid to caffeine (that was added to the milk), it also stresses the role of the warmth of the beverage.
HELPS TREAT ACHALASIA
Achalasia is a health condition in which the lower part of the esophagus fails to relax. This prevents the food from passing into the stomach. Studies show that the intake of warm foods (water included) can assist in the relaxation of the lower part of the esophagus (also called lower esophageal sphincter, LES)
MAY AID WEIGHT LOSS
A theory suggests that hot water stays in your stomach a little longer when compared to cold water. This means you feel fuller for a longer period, which might aid weight loss.
IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION
Hot water expands your arteries and veins, allowing for better blood circulation throughout the body . This also can regulate your blood pressure levels.
RELIEVES PAIN
We saw that hot water could boost circulation and improve blood flow. Though no research has directly linked hot water intake to pain relief, it might help.
People usually use heat packs to reduce pain. So, drinking hot water might ease the internal pain. But do note that heat can also aggravate swelling. Hence, you may consult your doctor in this regard.
HELPS FLUSH OUT TOXINS
Drinking hot water increases your internal body temperature. Although temporary, this activates your body’s endocrine system, and you begin to sweat. This can help rid your body of toxins.
Toxins in the body can also make you age faster. Clearing them may slow down signs of aging.
CONCLUSION
According to Ayurvedic medicine, drinking hot water regularly can help in healing your body. It boosts digestion and helps eliminate metabolic waste. Hot water is the way to go – except for when the environment around you is so hot that you feel dehydrated.
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