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| - Last Updated on November 11, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that drinking warm water can boost immunity. Our fact check found it’s mostly false.
The Claim
A post shared on Instagram claims that drinking 2 glasses of warm water in the morning enhances the body’s immunity. It further suggests that this ritual can increase blood levels, and brings a natural glow to the face.
Fact Check
Does drinking warm water really boost immunity?
Not exactly. While drinking warm water can provide certain benefits, such as facilitating digestion and maintaining hydration, there is no solid evidence to suggest it directly boosts the immune system. The immune system is complex and depends on various factors including diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management. Staying hydrated is important for the body’s overall functioning, but attributing immunity boost to warm water alone oversimplifies the science.
Hydration supports bodily functions, such as maintaining mucous membranes that help trap pathogens. However, this is true for any water consumption, not just warm water. Scientific evidence supporting a specific link between warm water and immunity is minimal.
Drinking water should be one of the simplest things we do, but we’ve made it complicated. Social media often suggests rules about drinking water, like not drinking it while standing, avoiding refrigerated water, or copper-infused water for detox. But most of these are just exaggerated claims about water’s effect on our health. Our body mainly needs water for hydration; it doesn’t really matter if it’s cold or warm, or if it’s in a copper, glass, or stainless steel bottle. These choices are more about personal preference than strong scientific facts.
We connected with Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician, Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, for his take on warm water and immunity. He says, “Drinking warm water can help keep you hydrated, which is important for maintaining overall health, including immune function. Proper hydration supports your body’s natural detoxification processes, aids digestion, and ensures that your cells and organs, including those involved in immune responses, function optimally. While drinking warm water can be part of a healthy lifestyle, it is not a direct factor in boosting immunity. A strong immune system relies on a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.”
Does warm water improve blood production?
No, warm water itself does not directly increase blood production. The bone marrow manages blood cell production, which depends on nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. Drinking water, whether warm or cold, helps maintain healthy circulation and supports organ function by keeping the body hydrated. However, it does not play a role in blood cell production.
For increasing blood levels, especially for those with anaemia, dietary intake rich in iron, B vitamins, and folate is essential.
Can drinking warm water enhance facial glow?
Well, it may. Drinking warm water may support skin health indirectly by helping in hydration and digestion, which can promote a healthier appearance. When you are well-hydrated, your skin tends to appear plumper and more radiant due to improved cell function. However, the claim that drinking warm water alone will bring a visible glow to the face is an exaggeration. Skin health actually depends on multiple factors, including diet, sleep, and skincare habits. And, scientific evidence supporting the role of water alone in skin health is limited.
Proper hydration along with a healthy lifestyle may improve skin quality over time. Still, attributing a “glow” solely to warm water intake is misleading.
We reached out to Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist, Aesthetician, and Hair Transplant Surgeon at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, for her expertise on water for glowing skin. She says, “Drinking water is important for keeping your body and skin hydrated, but it won’t automatically give you glowing skin. Skin health depends on many factors, like your diet, sun protection, and daily skincare routine. Water helps keep your skin hydrated, but it’s not a magic fix for making it radiant.”
How can we support immunity effectively?
To truly support the immune system, it’s essential to focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Daily exercise, quality sleep, and stress management also play significant roles in maintaining immune health. Additionally, avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking is important for a healthy immune system. Getting vaccinated and practising good hand hygiene also play a role. Drinking water (warm or not) should be part of a broader approach to wellness, rather than being seen as a stand-alone solution for boosting immunity.
THIP Media Take
The claim that drinking warm water can boost immunity, increase blood production, and bring a glow to the face is mostly false. While warm water can be beneficial for staying hydrated and helping in digestion, its direct impact on immunity and blood production is minimal. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and hydration is key for supporting overall health and skin appearance.
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