Is it healthy to drink ice cold drinks? The surprising truth about hydration

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2001 study, a small percentage of migraine sufferers experienced headaches after drinking ice cold water. But for most people, is it healthy to drink ice cold drinks? The answer involves balancing personal comfort with specific health contexts, as research debunks many long-held beliefs while validating others.

Quick Summary

Drinking ice cold beverages offers benefits like body cooling during exercise, but may present risks for those with conditions like migraines or achalasia. Individual tolerance is key, with hydration being more important than temperature for most people's health.

Key Points

Generally Safe for Most: For the majority of healthy people, drinking ice cold drinks is not harmful and the body quickly adjusts the fluid to its core temperature.
Boosts Exercise Performance: Drinking cold water during exercise can help lower core body temperature, delaying fatigue and improving endurance, especially in hot weather.
May Trigger Migraines: Some individuals with a history of migraines may experience headaches from the cold sensation of drinking icy beverages.
Impacts Digestion Minimally: The belief that cold drinks significantly disrupt digestion is not scientifically supported for most, though those with sensitive stomachs might feel temporary discomfort.
Enhances Alertness and Hydration: The refreshing nature of cold water can increase overall fluid intake and provide a natural alertness boost without the downsides of caffeine.
Exacerbates Achalasia Symptoms: People with the swallowing disorder achalasia should avoid cold drinks, as they can intensify pain and difficulty swallowing.

The Core Debate: Fact vs. Myth

For generations, various cultures and traditions, particularly in Ayurveda, have advised against consuming ice-cold drinks, fearing they disrupt digestion and shock the system. However, modern science has largely debunked these widespread beliefs. While the body does expend a small amount of energy to warm the liquid to core temperature, this 'thermogenic effect' is minimal and unlikely to significantly impact weight loss. For the majority of healthy individuals, the potential risks are minor, and the primary consideration is often personal preference and comfort. The health implications largely depend on individual sensitivities and the specific context in which the cold beverage is consumed.

Benefits of Choosing the Chilled Option

While the folklore focuses on the negatives, scientific research highlights several benefits to drinking cold beverages, especially for athletes and those in hot climates.

Enhanced Exercise Performance: Drinking cold water before or during intense physical activity can help keep your body from overheating, delaying fatigue and improving endurance. This is particularly useful in warm or humid conditions where the body's natural cooling mechanisms are less efficient.
Improved Hydration Motivation: For some, the refreshing taste of a chilled drink is more appealing than lukewarm water. This can encourage greater overall fluid intake, which is the most critical factor for staying properly hydrated.
Increased Alertness: The mild shock of cold water can trigger a response in the body that boosts adrenaline production, leading to a feeling of increased alertness and energy without the crash associated with caffeine.
Soothing Sore Muscles: While not as intense as an ice bath, drinking cold water can help reduce inflammation and soreness after a strenuous workout by numbing nerve endings and constricting blood vessels.

The Potential Downsides and Who Should Be Cautious

Despite the benefits, certain individuals should be mindful of their cold beverage consumption. Here are some of the documented risks:

Triggering Headaches: A 2001 study indicated that drinking ice-cold water could trigger headaches in individuals who are prone to migraines. The cold sensation can affect nerves in the spine, causing a brain freeze-like effect that can escalate in susceptible individuals.
Exacerbating Respiratory Issues: An older study from 1978 found that drinking cold water can make nasal mucus thicker and more difficult to clear, potentially worsening congestion for those with colds or sinus problems. In contrast, hot water and chicken soup were found to have a soothing effect.
Aggravating Achalasia: This is a rare swallowing disorder where the esophagus has difficulty moving food into the stomach. For these individuals, cold water can worsen the pain and difficulty of swallowing.
Constriction of Blood Vessels: While not harmful for most, cold water can cause a temporary constriction of blood vessels. For those with existing circulatory issues, this could be a point of concern.

The Impact on Digestion

One of the most persistent myths surrounding cold drinks is their supposed negative impact on digestion. Ayurvedic principles claim it dampens the 'digestive fire', and some believe it causes fats to solidify, making them harder to process. However, medical experts state that the body's thermoregulation is so efficient that the temperature change is negligible by the time it reaches the stomach. While some sensitive individuals might experience temporary bloating or cramping, there is no strong scientific evidence that cold water significantly impairs digestion in healthy people. For promoting digestion, warm or room-temperature water is often recommended.

Cold vs. Room Temperature Water: A Comparison


Feature	Cold Water (approx. 4°C)	Room Temperature Water (approx. 20-25°C)
Hydration Speed	Absorbed slightly slower, but encourages greater total intake for some.	Absorbed quickest by the body, ideal for rapid rehydration.
Body Cooling	Excellent for lowering core body temperature during heat or intense exercise.	Less effective for active cooling, but still aids in thermoregulation.
Metabolism Boost	Offers a very slight, temporary metabolic increase as the body works to warm it.	No significant metabolic boost from temperature change.
Digestive Impact	Can cause temporary discomfort (bloating/cramping) for those with sensitive stomachs.	Generally gentler on the digestive system; often recommended for digestion.
Sensory Experience	Often perceived as more refreshing and thirst-quenching, especially in hot conditions.	May be considered bland by some, potentially leading to less voluntary consumption.

Listen to Your Body and Context is Key

Ultimately, the 'healthiest' choice of beverage temperature is highly individualized. While many ancient traditions favor warmth, the modern understanding is that for healthy individuals, hydration is the priority, regardless of temperature. For athletes, cold water can be a performance enhancer. For someone with a chronic condition like achalasia or migraines, it's wise to avoid it. If you're experiencing stomach issues, room temperature water may be more comfortable. The most important takeaway is to stay hydrated consistently throughout the day by choosing the water temperature that encourages you to drink more and feels best for your body.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Ice Cold Drinks

So, is it healthy to drink ice cold drinks? The answer is not a simple yes or no. For the vast majority of healthy people, consuming cold beverages is not harmful and can even offer benefits, particularly for exercise and hydration motivation. However, those with specific sensitivities, such as migraine sufferers, or medical conditions like achalasia, should exercise caution. While myths about digestive harm persist, scientific evidence doesn't support them for most individuals. The overall message is to focus on your hydration levels and choose the temperature that feels most comfortable for you, paying attention to how your body reacts in different situations.

Learn more about the pros and cons of drinking cold water from Healthline [https://www.healthline.com/health/is-drinking-cold-water-bad-for-you].

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy people, no. The idea that cold water hinders digestion is largely a myth, as your body is very efficient at warming liquids to its core temperature. However, some with sensitive digestive systems may find room-temperature water more comfortable.

Cold drinks do not cause a sore throat in healthy individuals, as viruses and bacteria are the real culprits. However, if you already have a sore throat or respiratory infection, cold drinks can sometimes feel irritating or thicken mucus, potentially worsening symptoms.

Drinking cold water can cause a very small, temporary increase in metabolism as your body burns calories to warm the fluid. This effect is minimal, but consistently staying hydrated with water of any temperature is a proven way to aid weight management.

In terms of speed of absorption, room temperature water is processed and absorbed quickest. However, cold water can be more appealing and can encourage a person to drink more, leading to better overall hydration, especially in hot environments.

Yes, for some people, especially those who already experience migraines, drinking ice-cold water can cause headaches. This occurs because the cold sensation can affect nerves in the mouth and throat, leading to a 'brain freeze' effect.

Achalasia is a rare disorder that makes swallowing difficult due to nerve dysfunction in the esophagus. Drinking cold water can exacerbate the pain and swallowing difficulties associated with this condition.

Yes. Traditional practices, such as in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, often advise against cold drinks, believing they disrupt the body's balance or digestive processes. However, these are based on traditional beliefs rather than modern scientific consensus.