6 Surprising Benefits of Drinking Warm Water
(AscendHealthy.com) – No matter what time of year or what the temperature outside is, it’s important to stay hydrated. While many people turn to ice water or cold water, is that the healthiest choice? Science suggests that it might not be. The temperature of your water could have an impact on your health. See how.
1. Increased Consumption
You may crave a cold drink when you’re dehydrated, but you might be more likely to drink as much as you need if you have warm water available. A cooperative study from the University of Massachusetts and SUNY that examined the drinking behaviors of rats showed the animals, when dehydrated, favored cold water at first — but the ones that had access to warm water continued drinking longer. This suggests warm water may be more satisfying than cold water in the long run, which means it could be the better choice to keep you hydrated.
2. Regular Bowel Movements
Drinking warm water can get your gut moving — without any of the side effects that come with most other remedies. In an Indonesian study, 60% of chronically constipated volunteers were able to promote daily bowel movements just by drinking warm water, and 96% of them were able to go at least once every 3 days. Warm water consumption is so effective, some researchers have investigated its use in relieving postoperative flatulence.
3. Improved Gut Health
Warm water might also be healthier for your gut flora. Research has indicated that drinking cold water can increase the occurrence of diarrhea in human children. An animal study performed in China demonstrated that offering warm over cool water increased the ratio of diarrhea-reducing bacteria in the intestines of newly weaned rabbit pups.
4. Combatting Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures could increase the occurrence of PAD. Measures to combat the cold, such as bundling up and drinking warm water, could reduce those risks. These measures may also reduce the cold’s immediate effects on heart rate and blood pressure.
5. Improved Metabolism
Drinking warm water with your meals may improve the way your body metabolizes them. An endocrinology study on the effects of water and weight loss showed that drinking more water in itself can boost metabolism; But when the temperature of the water you’re drinking is increased from room temperature to body temperature, the effects it has to boost your metabolism could be even more pronounced. The benefits start about 10 minutes after consumption, peaking around 30 minutes thereafter.
6. Vocal Cord Health
Cold drinks can constrict the muscles in your throat, tightening your vocal cords and affecting the quality of your voice. To keep your throat happy and your voice at its best, drink lukewarm water.
Warm water consumption can help you improve your health and feel better. Give it a try for yourself and see what it can do for you. Not a fan of plain water? Add a squeeze of lemon to your cup for a tangy burst of flavor and numerous additional health benefits.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension!
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