Is it unhealthy to drink cold water while eating?

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

While some traditional beliefs and cultural practices advise against it, scientific evidence suggests that for most healthy individuals, drinking cold water while eating is not unhealthy. Your body is remarkably good at regulating its internal temperature and quickly warms any cold liquid you consume.

Quick Summary

For most people, drinking cold water while eating is not unhealthy and has no significant negative impact on digestion. The body's temperature regulation efficiently warms the liquid, debunking long-held myths. Potential issues are primarily limited to individuals with specific health conditions, and overall hydration is more critical than water temperature.

Key Points

Not Unhealthy for Most People: The body efficiently regulates temperature, and cold water does not significantly impact digestion for healthy individuals.
Body Warms Water Quickly: The stomach and internal systems rapidly warm any cold liquid to body temperature, eliminating any theoretical 'shock'.
Myth, Not Science: The idea that cold water solidifies fats or impairs digestive enzymes is a myth not supported by modern physiological research.
Consider Pre-existing Conditions: Individuals with rare conditions like achalasia, or those prone to migraines or sensitive sinuses, may experience discomfort with cold water.
Focus on Hydration: The most important factor for health is consistent hydration, and the water temperature that encourages you to drink enough is the best choice.

Debunking the Myth: Cold Water and Digestion

The belief that drinking cold water, especially with meals, is harmful is a persistent health myth rooted in traditional practices like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, modern physiology offers a different perspective, showing that the human body is more resilient than these traditions suggest. Scientific studies indicate that the stomach is highly efficient at warming any liquid to body temperature almost instantly, nullifying any potential 'shock' to the digestive system.

The Body's Thermoregulation in Action

The core of the argument against cold water is that it 'shocks' the digestive system, constricting blood vessels and slowing down the process. However, this is a misinterpretation of how the body works. The thermoregulation process ensures that the internal temperature remains stable, and consuming a cold beverage triggers a minor, negligible energy expenditure to warm the liquid. For most people, this process is quick and does not lead to any lasting digestive issues. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that drinking cold water temporarily increased metabolic rate, as the body burned a small number of calories to warm it up.

Comparing Cold Water, Room Temperature, and Warm Water

While the negative effects of cold water are largely exaggerated, the temperature of your drinking water can still influence your body in different ways. The best choice often depends on personal preference and your specific health goals.


Feature	Cold Water	Room-Temperature Water	Warm Water
Digestive Speed	No significant impact for most people, but some with sensitive stomachs report discomfort.	Absorbed most efficiently by the body for rapid hydration.	Can be soothing for some, potentially aiding smoother digestion.
Effect on Enzymes	No significant impact; the body quickly warms it up before it reaches digestive enzymes.	Does not interfere with enzymatic activity.	May promote a sense of comfort and aid digestion for those who prefer it.
Hydration Efficiency	Absorbed effectively, though potentially slightly slower than room-temp water.	Considered the most effective for rapid hydration.	Absorbed slightly slower than room-temperature water.
Metabolic Impact	Provides a very minor, temporary boost to metabolism as the body expends energy to warm it.	No effect on metabolic rate.	No effect on metabolic rate.
Post-Exercise	Excellent for cooling the body down and enhancing exercise performance.	Effective for rapid rehydration after exercise.	Not as effective for cooling down the body after intense exercise.

Who Should Be Mindful of Cold Water Intake?

While cold water is generally safe, certain individuals may experience discomfort or need to be cautious based on their health status. These are specific, not universal, concerns:

Achalasia: This is a rare swallowing disorder where the esophagus has trouble pushing food and liquids to the stomach. A 2012 study showed that drinking cold water can trigger painful esophageal spasms in people with this condition.
Migraine Sufferers: An older study from 2001 linked drinking ice-cold water to triggering migraines in people with a history of them.
Respiratory Issues: For individuals with colds or respiratory infections, a 1978 study found that cold water thickened nasal mucus, while hot liquids helped.
Digestive Sensitivity: People with sensitive stomachs or conditions like IBS may prefer warm or room-temperature water as cold water can cause temporary cramping or bloating.

The Importance of Overall Hydration

Ultimately, the temperature of your water is less important than ensuring you are properly hydrated throughout the day. Water is essential for numerous bodily functions, including aiding digestion, transporting nutrients, and regulating body temperature, regardless of whether it is cold or warm. Choosing a temperature that encourages you to drink more and meet your daily fluid goals is the most crucial aspect of hydration.

The Final Verdict on Cold Water

For the vast majority of people, drinking cold water while eating is perfectly fine. The notion that it dangerously slows digestion or solidifies fats is a myth not supported by modern science. The body's sophisticated systems handle temperature variations with ease. Concerns are limited to specific, pre-existing health conditions. So, unless you have a particular medical reason to avoid it, feel free to enjoy your refreshing glass of cold water with your meal. Your body will take care of the rest.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a myth based on a misunderstanding of human physiology. Your stomach acid and digestive processes are powerful enough to break down food effectively, and your body's temperature regulation quickly warms any liquid to body temperature.

For most people, drinking cold water with meals does not cause digestive problems. However, individuals with sensitive stomachs or specific conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may find that it causes temporary discomfort or cramping.

For most people, the difference is negligible. Some feel warm water is more soothing and aids digestion, but room-temperature water is absorbed most efficiently for rapid hydration. The best temperature is often a matter of personal preference.

No, this is another popular myth. Plain water, regardless of temperature, has no calories. While the body burns a minimal number of calories to warm cold water, this effect is insignificant for weight management.

Traditional systems like Ayurveda and TCM operate on different principles, believing that cold can dampen the 'digestive fire' or energy ('Agni' or 'qi'). While modern science doesn't support this specific mechanism, some people still find warm water more comforting.

There is some evidence for this. A small 1978 study found that cold water temporarily thickened nasal mucus in participants. This is why many people with colds prefer warm beverages, which have been shown to help with congestion.

Achalasia is a rare disorder of the esophagus that causes difficulty swallowing. For those with this condition, drinking cold water can exacerbate symptoms and cause painful spasms.