Is it okay to drink very cold water every day?

According to one survey, 79% of people state they prefer to drink cold water, especially on hot days or after exercise, for its refreshing feeling. While a daily preference for chilled water is common, the long-term health implications are a subject of debate.

Quick Summary

For most healthy people, drinking very cold water daily is generally considered safe, but specific health conditions can lead to adverse effects. Personal comfort and situational context, such as during exercise, are key factors in determining its suitability.

Key Points

• Generally Safe: For most healthy people, drinking very cold water daily is perfectly fine with no significant long-term health risks.

• Metabolic Boost: Your body burns a small number of extra calories to warm cold water to your internal temperature, which can aid in weight management.

• Exercise Advantage: Cold water is ideal for cooling down and improving endurance during and after intense workouts, especially in hot conditions.

• Conditions to Consider: Individuals with achalasia, sensitive teeth, or migraines may find their symptoms exacerbated by cold water.

• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any discomfort. Personal preference and how your body reacts are more important than rigid rules about water temperature.

The Science Behind Water Temperature and Your Body

When you consume cold water, your body's core temperature is temporarily lowered, prompting it to expend extra energy to return to its normal state of 98.6°F (37°C). This process, known as thermogenesis, is the root of many of the perceived benefits and risks associated with drinking cold water daily. The effects are typically mild for healthy individuals, but can be more pronounced for those with certain pre-existing conditions or when in extreme temperatures.

The Potential Benefits of Drinking Very Cold Water

While often a subject of skepticism, there are several science-backed advantages to consuming cold water regularly.

Boosted Metabolism and Weight Management

Research suggests that drinking cold water can slightly increase your metabolism because your body works harder to warm the fluid. A study found that drinking six cups of cold water could increase resting metabolism by about 50 calories per day. This modest calorie burn can contribute to weight management over time. Additionally, drinking water before meals, regardless of temperature, can increase feelings of fullness, helping to reduce overall calorie intake.

Enhanced Exercise Performance

Drinking cool or cold water during exercise is a well-documented way to improve performance and endurance. It helps to keep your body from overheating, effectively delaying the rise in core body temperature. This cooling effect is particularly advantageous when working out in hot environments. Studies have shown that athletes who drink cold water during intense training sessions perform better and reach exhaustion later.

Increased Alertness and Energy

Anecdotal evidence and some expert opinions suggest that consuming cold water can help increase alertness and boost energy levels. The shock of the cold can stimulate adrenaline production, providing a temporary mental and physical lift without the side effects of caffeinated beverages.

Improved Hydration

For some, cold water is simply more palatable and refreshing, which can encourage higher fluid intake throughout the day. The most crucial aspect of hydration is consuming enough water, and if the cold temperature makes it easier for you to meet your daily intake, it is a net positive for your health.

The Potential Risks and Drawbacks

Despite the benefits, cold water is not for everyone. For some, the cons may outweigh the pros.

Impact on Digestion

One of the most frequently cited concerns is the effect of cold water on digestion. Some theories suggest that cold water constricts blood vessels and slows down the movement of the digestive tract (gastric motility), potentially hindering nutrient absorption. While your body's core temperature will quickly warm the liquid, some individuals with sensitive stomachs or certain digestive disorders may experience temporary discomfort.

Respiratory and Throat Irritation

An older study from 1978 found that drinking cold water made nasal mucus thicker and more difficult to pass. While not a major concern for healthy people, this effect could be problematic for those with respiratory issues, a cold, or a flu. For individuals prone to sore throats, consuming ice-cold beverages may cause further irritation.

Triggering Migraines and Headaches

For people who experience migraines, drinking cold water, especially through a straw, has been linked to triggering headaches. A 2001 study showed that migraine sufferers were twice as likely to experience a headache after drinking ice water compared to those without migraines.

Dental Sensitivity

Those with sensitive teeth may experience sharp, stabbing pain when drinking cold water. This is often due to pre-existing dental issues like worn enamel, gum disease, or cracked teeth, which expose the sensitive inner nerves. For these individuals, consistently drinking cold beverages can be an unpleasant experience.

Effect on Cardiovascular Health

Drinking very cold water can trigger a temporary increase in blood pressure due to the constriction of blood vessels. For most healthy people, this is not a concern, but individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or high blood pressure should be mindful of this effect and may wish to consult a healthcare provider.

Consideration for the Immunocompromised

In extreme circumstances, such as being in a cold environment, drinking cold water can exacerbate 'cold stress,' where the body struggles to maintain its core temperature. For individuals with weakened immune systems, like the very young or the elderly, this can cause a temporary reduction in the body's immune response.

Cold Water vs. Room-Temperature Water: A Comparison

Feature	Cold Water	Room-Temperature Water
Thermic Effect	Requires body to expend energy to warm it, causing a slight metabolic boost.	Requires minimal energy to process, as it is closer to body temperature.
Digestion	May temporarily slow digestion and constrict blood vessels for some sensitive individuals.	Generally considered gentler on the digestive system by some practices like Ayurveda.
Hydration Speed	Just as hydrating as warm water, as temperature does not affect absorption.	Just as hydrating as cold water; the key is overall quantity consumed.
Athletic Performance	More effective for cooling the body and improving endurance during hot workouts.	Less effective for lowering core body temperature during intense exercise.
Preference & Palatability	Often perceived as more refreshing, especially in warmer climates, encouraging more drinking.	May feel less refreshing but is a safe, effective option for daily hydration.
Potential Risks	Exacerbates certain conditions like achalasia and migraines for sensitive individuals.	Few, if any, specific risks related to water temperature.

Conclusion: Listen to Your Body

For the vast majority of healthy adults, drinking very cold water every day is perfectly safe and can even offer benefits like boosted metabolism and enhanced exercise performance. The key is moderation and self-awareness. If you have pre-existing conditions such as achalasia, sensitive teeth, or migraines, or if you simply notice digestive discomfort, it may be prudent to opt for room-temperature or warm water instead. Ultimately, the most important factor is consistent hydration, regardless of the water's temperature. Paying attention to your body's signals and making the choice that feels best for you is the wisest approach.

For more detailed information on the risks and benefits of different water temperatures, consult a trusted health resource like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is drinking cold water bad for digestion?

While the body quickly warms cold water, some sensitive individuals may experience temporary digestive discomfort or slowed gastric motility. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that it causes significant long-term digestive issues for healthy people.

Does drinking very cold water cause colds or flu?

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking cold water can directly cause a cold or flu. For those with an existing cold, it may temporarily thicken nasal mucus, but it doesn't cause the illness itself.

Is cold water bad for your heart?

For most people, cold water is not a concern for heart health. It may cause a temporary drop in heart rate by stimulating the vagus nerve, but this is typically harmless. Those with pre-existing heart conditions should consult a doctor with any concerns.

Does cold water help you lose weight?

Drinking cold water can cause a small increase in metabolism as your body expends energy to warm it. This effect is not a powerful weight-loss tool but can contribute modestly over time, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Which is better for hydration, cold or room-temperature water?

Neither is inherently more hydrating than the other. The ability of water to hydrate is not dependent on its temperature. The most hydrating water is the one you will drink enough of, so personal preference is the deciding factor.

Why do my teeth hurt when I drink cold water?

Dental sensitivity is the reason. Issues like worn enamel, gum disease, or cracked teeth expose sensitive nerves, which react with a sharp pain or discomfort when exposed to cold temperatures.

Should people with migraines avoid cold water?

Some studies suggest a link between drinking cold water and triggering headaches, particularly in people with a history of migraines. If you are a migraine sufferer, it may be beneficial to avoid ice-cold drinks.