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| - Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A Facebook post claims that drinking hot water multiple times a day can save you from diseases. We did the fact check to term it as Mostly False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook post, “If you make a habit of drinking warm water three times a day, then the body can be easily protected from diseases. This keeps your digestive system, skin and hair healthy. Water removes waste material from the body.”
Fact Check
What are the benefits of drinking hot water?
Drinking hot water can offer several benefits, though they are often similar to those of drinking water at other temperatures:
- Improved circulation: Hot water can help dilate blood vessels, enhancing blood flow. But we need more definite research on this.
- Improves digestion: It may soothe the digestive tract and help with food breakdown. Warm water helps people with achalasia (a condition which causes difficulty in swallowing).
- Relieves nasal congestion: The steam from hot water can clear nasal passages.
- Soothes sore throats: Hot water provides temporary relief for sore throats.
- Hydration: Like any water, it keeps you hydrated, essential for bodily functions. Cold water, especially, is better for rehydration after profuse sweating.
- Calming effect: Sipping hot water can promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Detoxification: Hot water may promote sweating and help flush out toxins. However, your body naturally detoxifies efficiently regardless of water temperature.
- Help in weight loss: Drinking more water in general supports weight loss, as shown in a 2009 study. An older study from 2003 shows that drinking hot water before a meal helps in weight loss.
These benefits are helpful, but the key is to stay hydrated, whether you prefer your water hot, warm, or cold.
Does drinking hot water improve digestion?
Yes, to an extent. But, there is little scientific evidence to support the notion that drinking hot water significantly improves digestion compared to drinking water at room temperature or cold water.
Hydration, in general, helps maintain the efficiency of the digestive system by aiding in the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients. However, the body generally adjusts the temperature of ingested liquids to match its internal temperature. Some believe that warm water might help in breaking down fats more effectively, but this is not backed by strong scientific research.
A 2019 study explored the effects of drinking warm water versus cold water on the growth and gut microbiota of young rabbits during winter in poorly insulated housing. Rabbits drinking warm water showed significantly better growth and feed conversion rates in the early post weaning period and had a reduced risk of diarrhoea in later stages. Although overall microbial diversity didn’t change, warm water drinkers had increased beneficial bacteria like Coprococcus spp., associated with reduced inflammation. These findings suggest that warm water can enhance growth and gut health in young livestock during cold seasons.
Another study from 2020 suggests that drinking cold water (at 2°C) before a meal can reduce both gastric contractions and energy intake more effectively than warm water (at 37°C or 60°C). This means cold water might help manage appetite and intake, which could be beneficial for weight management. However, the effects might vary depending on individual conditions and we still do not fully understand long-term impacts. Drinking water temperature should be chosen based on personal comfort and health conditions.
Can hot water make your skin and hair healthy?
No, not specifically. The condition of your skin and hair mainly depends on your overall hydration levels, diet, genetics, and skincare routine rather than the temperature of the water you drink.
Proper hydration is essential for healthy skin and hair as it helps maintain moisture balance, which can prevent dryness and flakiness. However, whether the water is hot or cold does not make a significant difference. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that hot water specifically provides more benefits for skin and hair health than water at other temperatures.
However, an older study from 2010 examines the widespread advice to drink eight glasses of water daily for skin health. The authors found no scientific evidence to support claims that such a water intake improves skin hydration, reduces wrinkles, or affects skin condition positively. They concluded that there is a lack of scientific proof linking high water intake to enhanced skin hydration and called for more research to clarify this relationship.
Does drinking hot water 3 times a day protect you from diseases?
No, not really. Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, but the temperature of the water does not necessarily offer protection against diseases.
Proper hydration supports various bodily functions, including the immune system, which can help the body fight off infections. However, the claim that hot water specifically protects against diseases is unsubstantiated. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that drinking hot water three times a day offers any unique protection from illnesses compared to drinking water at any other temperature.
An elaborate review from 2011 highlights the importance of water as an essential nutrient. There is clear evidence of water’s positive effects on health and performance, with few negatives. It points out significant gaps in research, especially in methods for measuring water intake and understanding hydration status at the population level. The review also discusses the impact of replacing sugary drinks with water, which can significantly reduce energy intake. However, we need more research, particularly long-term controlled trials, to better understand water’s health benefits and requirements.
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, a General Physician, from Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, states, “The temperature of the water you drink is not as important as maintaining proper hydration. Drinking enough water, whether hot, warm, or cold, is important for your health. There is no substantial evidence to suggest that hot water has unique disease-fighting properties. It’s essential to focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration to support overall health.”
In conclusion, drinking hot water can be a comforting habit, especially in colder weather or for soothing the throat. But, its alleged health benefits are largely overstated. The temperature of the water you drink is less significant than ensuring adequate hydration. There is no conclusive scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking hot water multiple times a day offers specific protections against diseases or significantly improves the health of your skin and hair.
There is widespread misinformation related to water on social media. These include whether hot water can act as a natural blood thinner, the effects of drinking refrigerated water, Ayurvedic recommendations on drinking water while standing, the comparative benefits of cold versus hot water for weight loss, and whether drinking cold water in a hot environment can cause a stroke, and many more. But, you should be careful, and keep it simple. Drinking enough water should be the most important goal rather than over-complicating things!
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