Why Don't We Drink Cold Water? Separating Fact From Fiction

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2013 study involving students, drinking 4°C water led to a rise in diastolic blood pressure for an average of 22 minutes. While a glass of cold water offers a refreshing sensation, especially in hot weather, many cultures and alternative medicine practices, like Ayurveda, advise against consuming it regularly. This has led to a widespread debate surrounding the potential health drawbacks of cold water and the benefits of warmer alternatives.

Quick Summary

The debate over cold water is rooted in cultural beliefs and some specific health concerns. It can slow digestion, exacerbate conditions like achalasia and migraines, and irritate sensitive throats for some individuals. While cold water can boost metabolism slightly and aid cooling during exercise, room-temperature or warm water is often gentler on the digestive system and provides quicker hydration for most people. The best choice often depends on individual health and personal preference.

Key Points

Cultural Beliefs and Ayurveda: Many traditional practices, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, advise against cold water as it's believed to disrupt the body's digestive 'fire' and energy balance.
Slower Digestion: For some, cold water can constrict blood vessels in the stomach, slowing digestion and potentially causing discomfort and bloating, especially when consumed with meals.
Exacerbates Specific Conditions: Individuals with achalasia (swallowing difficulty) or migraine sufferers may find their symptoms worsen after drinking cold water.
Increased Mucus Production: A 1978 study showed that cold water can thicken nasal mucus, which may be unhelpful when dealing with a cold or congestion.
Benefits During Exercise: Drinking cold water during intense physical activity helps cool the body faster, delays the rise in core temperature, and can improve athletic performance.
Weight Management: The body expends a small number of calories to warm cold water to body temperature, resulting in a minor boost to metabolism.
Room Temperature Absorption: Room-temperature or slightly cool water is absorbed fastest by the body, making it the most efficient option for rapid rehydration.

The Cultural and Traditional Perspective

For centuries, various cultures have viewed the consumption of cold water with caution. Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices, for example, emphasize maintaining balance within the body. From this perspective, drinking very cold water is believed to extinguish the body's internal 'fire' (Agni in Ayurveda) or disrupt energy flow. Proponents of these systems suggest that warm or room-temperature water is more harmonious with the body, aiding in digestion, detoxification, and circulation.

Scientific Claims and Research Findings

Scientific evidence offers a more nuanced view, identifying specific scenarios where cold water might be less than ideal for certain individuals. While the body is quite capable of adjusting to different water temperatures, several potential issues have been highlighted by research.

Impact on Digestion

One of the most common concerns is cold water's effect on digestion. The theory is that cold temperatures can constrict blood vessels in the stomach and intestines, potentially slowing down the digestive process. Some research suggests this can cause stomach discomfort, bloating, and make it more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients, especially when consumed with a meal. There is also speculation that cold water solidifies fats from food, making them harder for the body to break down.

Exacerbation of Specific Conditions

For some people with pre-existing conditions, drinking cold water is known to trigger or worsen symptoms. Research has documented several such cases:

Achalasia: A rare disorder affecting the esophagus, achalasia can cause difficulty swallowing and chest pain. Studies have found that drinking cold water exacerbates these symptoms, whereas hot water can help relax the esophagus.
Migraine: A 2001 study involving females found that drinking ice-cold water triggered headaches in a small but significant percentage of participants, particularly those with active migraines.
Tooth Sensitivity: For those with cracked enamel or gum disease, the rapid temperature change from cold water can cause a sharp, stabbing pain or dull discomfort.

Effect on Respiratory System

An older but frequently cited 1978 study found that cold water thickened nasal mucus in a group of participants, making it more difficult to pass. In contrast, hot water or chicken soup helped improve nasal airflow. For those already experiencing a cold, flu, or congestion, cold water might be counterproductive to feeling better. For the general population, however, moderate consumption is unlikely to cause a sore throat or cold.

The Counterarguments: Benefits of Cold Water

It's important to recognize that cold water isn't inherently bad and offers benefits in certain situations. Its primary advantages are often related to heat regulation and exercise.

Cooling During Exercise

For athletes or those working out in hot environments, drinking cold water can be a game-changer. It helps to lower core body temperature more quickly, delaying the onset of heat exhaustion and improving performance. This cooling effect is one reason why many find cold water more refreshing during intense physical activity.

Boosting Metabolism (Slightly)

To raise the temperature of the ingested water to body temperature, the body expends a small amount of energy. While the effect is minimal, some studies suggest this can lead to a minor, temporary boost in metabolic rate, potentially aiding in weight management over time.

Comparison Table: Cold vs. Room Temperature Water


Feature	Cold Water (e.g., 4°C)	Room Temperature Water (e.g., 20°C)
Effect on Digestion	Can slow down digestive processes by constricting blood vessels. May cause discomfort for sensitive stomachs.	Generally gentler on the digestive system, allowing for smoother processing and nutrient absorption.
Hydration Speed	Absorbed slightly slower as the body must heat it first. Some studies suggest it promotes increased drinking volume during exercise.	Absorbed most quickly by the body, making it ideal for rapid rehydration in daily scenarios.
Best for Exercise	Excellent for cooling the body and improving performance in hot conditions. Delays core body temperature increase.	Optimal for overall hydration, especially for steady-state exercise, as it's absorbed faster.
Sensitive Conditions	May trigger headaches, exacerbate achalasia, and irritate sensitive throats for some individuals.	Less likely to cause throat irritation or digestive discomfort for sensitive individuals.
Effect on Heart Rate	Can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure due to vasoconstriction.	Minimal to no effect on blood pressure or heart rate for most people.
Sore Throat/Congestion	Can thicken nasal mucus and may aggravate symptoms of a cold.	Can help soothe a sore throat and loosen mucus, providing relief from congestion.

The Final Verdict and The Right Approach

Ultimately, the choice of water temperature is not a matter of a simple 'good' or 'bad' label but rather an individual decision based on personal health, specific circumstances, and preference. While the traditional and anecdotal warnings about cold water are not universally supported by robust scientific evidence for healthy individuals, they do shed light on specific issues. For those with sensitive digestion, migraines, or achalasia, sticking to room temperature or warm water is a wise choice.

For most people, drinking cold water in moderation is completely harmless and can even be beneficial during exercise. The most critical factor is not the temperature, but ensuring consistent, adequate hydration throughout the day. If you feel discomfort, simply switch to a different temperature. To gain deeper insights into hydration best practices, one might consult resources from reputable health organizations like the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Listening to your body remains the most reliable guide for determining the best hydration strategy for your unique needs.

Conclusion

The perception that we shouldn't drink cold water stems from a combination of traditional beliefs and specific medical observations. While a glass of ice water can feel incredibly refreshing, particularly during or after exercise, it can cause problems for individuals with certain health sensitivities, including digestive issues, achalasia, or a predisposition to migraines. The key takeaway is to prioritize adequate hydration above all else, regardless of the temperature. Both cold and room-temperature water offer unique benefits and drawbacks, and understanding them allows for a more personalized and health-conscious approach to staying hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

For some people, especially those with sensitive stomachs, cold water can temporarily constrict blood vessels and slow down the digestive process, potentially leading to bloating or discomfort. However, this is not a significant concern for most healthy individuals, and the body quickly adjusts the water's temperature.

Drinking cold water doesn't directly cause a sore throat, which is typically caused by viruses or bacteria. However, it can temporarily irritate an already sensitive throat or, as one study suggests, thicken nasal mucus, which can be unhelpful during a cold.

It depends on the context and individual. Warm water is often gentler on the digestive system, can soothe a sore throat, and may help with detoxification. Cold water, however, is better for cooling the body during exercise and can provide a refreshing boost. Ultimately, staying hydrated is the most important factor.

Drinking cold water results in a very minor calorie burn as your body works to heat it to your core temperature. While it's a negligible effect on its own, drinking water (of any temperature) before meals can also help you feel fuller, leading to reduced calorie intake.

Some research indicates that drinking ice-cold water through a straw can trigger a headache in some individuals, particularly those who are prone to migraines. This is believed to be a reflex response related to the nerves in the mouth and throat.

Cold water is most beneficial during or after intense exercise, especially in hot environments, because it effectively lowers core body temperature and helps prevent overheating. Many people also find it more refreshing in hot weather.

While room-temperature water is often cited as being absorbed most efficiently by the body for rapid hydration, there is no single 'best' temperature for everyone. The best choice depends on personal preference, health conditions, and the situation. The most important goal is to ensure you drink enough water consistently.