Warm water should be taken not only in winter but in summer too. That is not to say, that during intense scorching heat, you drink only warm water non-stop and make yourself uncomfortable. But in general, you should avoid drinking water stored at temperatures below ten degrees Celcius.
Remember, the main goal is to hydrate yourself efficiently.
Physiological condition for warm water
Ideally, warm water is the best drink to consume during most times, be it at the end of the during while unwinding, right before sleep, or drinking during your normal day-to-day office routine.
The temperature regulation of your body depends highly on the temperature of the water you consume. There is a diurnal variation in the body temperature, being maximum during the evening and minimum during dawn (Reference). So you should drink the water of a temperature directly proportional to your body temperature.
In general, drink warm water to unwind after work/school/university in the evening, and before you go to sleep. Studies have shown that water with temperatures just above normal body temperature i.e. between 36 and 40 degrees Celcius, can be considered warm. It quenches your thirst and works the same way as taking a warm bath in the evening: relaxes you physically and mentally. (Page 4: abstract of a report on Effects of exercise, water temperature and food consumption).
What most people do nowadays is chug down water directly from the freezer, and throw your internal barometer into a dilemma. It hinders the proper functioning of your body, even during the crazy hot Indian summer. Don’t do that. If you find it impossible to drink warm water, then room-temperature water is the next best choice to relax your body.
The only time your body physiologically accepts cold(er) water is after waking up in the morning with a dry throat. Colder water (temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees Celcius) uses up more calories in your body and warms it up when the body temperature plummets below normal. It is definitely recommended in harsh winters.
Some also recommend after gym and exercise, when you have lost too much water through sweating (Reference). It is said to be good for rehydration. But you have to remember one thing: all these studies and verifications have been done in the colder regions of the world like Iceland and Siberia. India has on average a warmer climate, where our body temperatures remain the same as the weather throughout most of the year. They don’t need more energy to be released with calorie breakdown. Thus it is better to consume room-temperature water for efficient rehydration after sweating.
Pathological condition for warm water
These are pretty straightforward. Warm water relieves you of nasal congestion.
These somewhat aid in digestion and rehydration when all is not well in your guts. Just have one before sleep so that it improves your nighttime bowel peristalsis.
Warm water improves the blood circulation thereby reducing shivering in the cold. In a nutshell, warm water = homeostasis.
Thank you for reading! Be sure to support this new venture and we will come up with new health tidbits. Have a safe winter ❄️❄️❄️
Wellness with Vibes 