The Surprising Health Risks of Cold Water Consumption

Experts claim that cold water and even cold beverages constrict your blood vessels, which can hinder digestion. It also disrupts the natural process of absorbing nutrients during digestion. This diverts the body's attention from digestion to regulating body temperature, which can lead to dehydration and make you feel dehydrated. The normal body temperature is 37 degrees Celsius and when you consume anything with a very low temperature, your body compensates for the loss by expending energy to regulate this temperature. But this extra energy is basically used in the process of digestion and absorbing nutrients. This is why it is always advisable to drink water kept at room temperature.

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Another obvious reason to not drink cold water is the increased chances of sore throat and blocked nose due to which your elders also stop drinking cold water. Drinking cold water, especially after meals, leads to the formation of excess mucus which forms a protective layer of the respiratory tract. However, when the respiratory tract gets blocked it becomes the cause of many inflammatory infections.

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Experts also say that if you drink cold water after your meal, the cold temperature will strengthen the fat released from the food you have eaten which may make it difficult to reduce unwanted fat in your body. Anyway, drinking water immediately after meals is not suggested. 

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Some studies have also shown that cold water plays a role in reducing your heart rate. Ice water stimulates the tenth cranial nerve. This nerve is an important part of the body's autonomic nervous system and it helps reduce heart rate. When you consume cold water, the low temperature of the water stimulates the nerve which increases the heart rate.

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It is also not advisable to drink cold water even after a workout. Gym experts suggest drinking a glass of lukewarm water after a workout. When you workout, your body generates a lot of heat and if you drink cold water immediately after a workout, this mismatch of temperatures can cause a blockage to your digestive system. Also, your body cannot absorb cold water. Some people often complain of stomach pain due to consumption of cold water right after a workout. This is because ice cold water comes as a shock to your body.

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These reasons do not mean that you completely cut down on your water consumption. In the rising summer temperatures, it is essential to keep your body hydrated at all times. Drink room temperature or lukewarm water to increase the amount of water in your body and for faster digestion. Warm water breaks down food easily and enhances your intestinal functions. It also acts as a natural blood purifier and enhances your body's natural detoxification processes.

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