Is there any problem if we drink cold water?

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

While a 2001 study on women found that 7.6% experienced a headache after drinking ice-cold water, for most healthy people, there isn't a significant problem if we drink cold water. The effects are largely dependent on individual health conditions and context, challenging many common myths.

Quick Summary

This article examines the scientific evidence regarding the effects of drinking cold water, contrasting its benefits during exercise with potential risks for specific health conditions. It addresses myths and provides a balanced perspective for healthy individuals and those with particular sensitivities.

Key Points

Generally Safe for Healthy Individuals: For most healthy people, drinking cold water is not a health risk, as the body quickly adjusts its temperature.
Mitigates Exercise Heat: Drinking cold water during exercise helps lower core body temperature, improving performance and endurance, especially in warm climates.
Exacerbates Specific Conditions: People with conditions like achalasia (swallowing disorder), migraines, or sensitive teeth may find that cold water worsens their symptoms.
Minimal Metabolic Effect: While the body burns a negligible amount of calories warming cold water, this effect is too minor to be considered a significant weight-loss aid.
Nasal Mucus and Respiratory Effects: Cold water can temporarily thicken nasal mucus, potentially causing congestion, particularly for those with a cold or respiratory issues.
Personal Preference is Key: Ultimately, the best water temperature is a matter of individual comfort, with the priority being consistent hydration throughout the day.
Traditional Beliefs vs. Modern Science: Some traditions, like Ayurveda, warn against cold water's impact on digestion, a claim that lacks strong scientific backing for most people.

Demystifying the Effects of Drinking Cold Water

For centuries, the debate over drinking cold versus warm water has persisted across cultures. Traditional practices like Ayurveda often advise against cold water, especially with meals, citing slowed digestion. However, modern science presents a more nuanced view, showing that for the average healthy person, the temperature of water has little long-term impact. The body quickly regulates the temperature of ingested water, and while certain conditions can be aggravated, many supposed health problems are unsubstantiated by evidence.

The Impact on Digestion and Metabolism

Contrary to popular belief, drinking cold water does not 'freeze' or 'solidify' fats in your stomach. Your body's internal temperature and highly regulated digestive processes quickly bring the water up to body temperature. For most people, this has no negative effect on digestion. For a small number of individuals, particularly those with a sensitive stomach or pre-existing gastrointestinal issues, cold water might cause temporary bloating, cramping, or slower digestion. The main exception is a rare swallowing disorder called achalasia, where cold liquids can exacerbate symptoms like chest pain and difficulty swallowing.

Some research suggests that the body's effort to warm cold water can lead to a slight, temporary increase in resting metabolism, a process known as thermogenesis. While this effect is minimal and not a significant weight-loss tool, it shows that the body is highly efficient at compensating for changes in internal temperature.

Respiratory and Nervous System Reactions

Another common concern is that cold water can cause a sore throat or respiratory issues. A 1978 study did find that drinking cold water can cause nasal mucus to thicken, which may feel like congestion to some. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cold water causes or exacerbates a common cold. For individuals with a weakened immune system, such as babies and the elderly, the stress of cooling the body may be a factor, but this is typically a concern only in extreme circumstances.

Cold-Stimulus Headaches: A phenomenon colloquially known as 'brain freeze,' a cold-stimulus headache can be triggered by drinking ice-cold water too quickly. A 2001 study found that people with an active history of migraines are more susceptible to this type of headache. The pain is usually temporary and fades quickly.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation: The vagus nerve, which controls many involuntary bodily functions, can be stimulated by consuming large amounts of very cold water. This can cause a temporary decrease in heart rate, which, while generally harmless for most, could be a concern for those with certain pre-existing heart conditions.

Benefits and Optimal Temperatures

Drinking cold water is not without its benefits, especially in specific scenarios like exercise. When working out, especially in hot environments, cold water helps to lower core body temperature, which can improve endurance and overall performance. Some studies suggest that cool tap water (around 16°C or 60.8°F) is optimal for rehydration during exercise, as it encourages people to drink more voluntarily and reduces sweat production. The refreshing sensation of cold water can also boost alertness and make hydration more appealing, particularly in warm weather.


Feature	Cold Water (Below 16°C)	Room Temperature Water (16-25°C)	Warm Water (Above 25°C)
Digestion	Can temporarily constrict blood vessels and slow gastric emptying; problematic for achalasia.	Neutral effect for most; ideal for sensitive stomachs.	Can aid digestion and bowel movements for some individuals.
Metabolism	Causes a minimal, temporary increase as the body works to heat it up.	No significant metabolic boost from temperature change.	No significant metabolic effect related to temperature.
Hydration	Optimal for rehydration during exercise by cooling the body and promoting more voluntary drinking.	Excellent for general hydration; readily absorbed by the body.	Some evidence suggests it may reduce thirst, potentially leading to less overall intake.
Nervous System	Can trigger cold-stimulus headaches in those with migraines; can stimulate the vagus nerve.	No impact related to temperature stimulus.	Can be soothing and relaxing; no known negative nervous system effects related to temperature.

When to Consider Water Temperature

While the human body is remarkably adaptable, considering water temperature can be beneficial under certain circumstances. If you have sensitive teeth, cold water can trigger sharp pain. For those with respiratory issues, particularly during a cold, warm fluids might be more soothing than cold ones, which can thicken mucus. For most daily hydration, however, the temperature is a matter of personal preference. The most important factor is consistent hydration, regardless of the water's temperature.

Ultimately, the question of whether there is any problem if we drink cold water depends on the individual. For a healthy person, there is no significant risk, and it can even offer benefits during exercise. Those with specific health conditions, such as achalasia or a history of migraines, may find they prefer warmer water to avoid discomfort. As with any health-related concern, if you experience persistent symptoms, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider.

Check out more about the benefits of staying hydrated.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

The narrative that drinking cold water is inherently harmful is largely a myth for the general population. While certain traditional beliefs and anecdotal experiences point to potential downsides, scientific evidence confirms that the body is well-equipped to handle water of varying temperatures. It is the individual's specific health profile that determines whether cold water is suitable or if a different temperature is preferable. From boosting exercise performance to simply providing a refreshing drink on a hot day, cold water has its place. The key takeaway is to prioritize adequate hydration, choosing a water temperature that feels most comfortable for your body and needs, and to be mindful of personal sensitivities or pre-existing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, no. The body warms the water quickly, and there is no strong scientific evidence that cold water negatively impacts digestion. However, some individuals with sensitive stomachs or conditions like achalasia may experience discomfort or a temporary slowing of digestion.

Yes, for some people. A cold-stimulus headache, or 'brain freeze,' can be triggered by drinking ice-cold water too quickly. Studies show that people with a history of migraines are more susceptible to this temporary effect.

While there's no scientific evidence that cold water causes a cold, it can temporarily thicken nasal mucus, which might make congestion feel worse. During an illness, warm fluids like soup or tea can often feel more soothing.

It provides a very small, temporary metabolic boost as your body expends a minor amount of energy to warm the water. This effect is not significant enough to be considered a weight-loss tool on its own, but proper hydration at any temperature is important for overall health.

Yes, for those with dental sensitivity, cold water can cause sharp pain or discomfort. This is often due to exposed dentin or other underlying dental issues.

Drinking very cold water can stimulate the vagus nerve, potentially causing a temporary decrease in heart rate. While harmless for most, people with pre-existing heart conditions should consult a doctor with any concerns about how cold liquids affect them.

Some studies suggest that cool tap water, around 16°C (60.8°F), may be optimal for rehydration after exercise because it encourages more voluntary drinking and less sweating.

Ayurveda suggests cold water disrupts 'Agni' (digestive fire), but modern science lacks conclusive evidence to support this for healthy individuals. For most people, the body's thermoregulation makes the water's initial temperature negligible by the time it reaches the stomach.