Water is vital for our well-being and health. It helps our body perform well, removes toxins, and keeps us hydrated. But drinking hot water can have some extra benefits for your health.
Here are some of the reasons why you may want to drink hot water more often.
1. It improves digestion
Drinking hot water can help your digestive system work better. Hot water can dissolve food faster than cold or warm water, making it easier for your body to take in the nutrients and get rid of the waste. Hot water can also prevent constipation by encouraging bowel movements and preventing dehydration.
2. It boosts metabolism and weight loss
Drinking hot water can also help you burn more calories and lose weight. A study found that drinking 500 ml of water before a meal increased metabolism by 30 percent, and raising the water temperature to 98.6 degrees accounted for 40 percent of the increase in metabolism. This means that drinking hot water can help you feel more satisfied and eat less, as well as speed up the fat-burning process.
3. It relieves congestion and sore throat
If you have a cold, a sinus infection, or allergies, drinking hot water can help you breathe easier and soothe your throat. Hot water creates steam, which can loosen the mucus in your nose and chest and reduce inflammation. Hot water can also warm up your throat and reduce the pain and irritation caused by coughing or a sore throat.
4. It improves circulation and reduces pain
Drinking hot water can also improve your blood flow and reduce pain. Hot water is a vasodilator, meaning it expands the blood vessels and allows more blood to circulate throughout the body. This can help relax your muscles, ease cramps, and relieve headaches. Improved circulation can also help deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues, enhancing their function and healing.
5. It reduces stress and promotes relaxation
Drinking hot water can also have a positive effect on your mood and mental health. Hot water can stimulate the nervous system and increase the production of endorphins, the hormones that make you feel good. Hot water can also help you relax by lowering your stress levels and easing tension in your body and mind.
How to drink hot water safely and effectively
Drinking hot water can have many benefits for your health, but you need to be careful not to burn yourself or damage your teeth. Here are some tips on how to drink hot water safely and effectively:
Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the water before drinking it. The optimal temperature range is between 130 and 160°F (54 and 71°C). Anything above that can cause burns or scalds.
Drink hot water slowly and in small sips. Do not gulp it down or drink it too fast, as this can increase the risk of burns or choking.
Add some lemon, honey, ginger, or mint to your hot water to enhance the flavor and the benefits. Lemon can provide vitamin C and antioxidants, honey can soothe your throat and boost your immunity, ginger can aid digestion and fight inflammation, and mint can freshen your breath and calm your stomach.
Drink hot water first thing in the morning and before going to bed. This can help you start and end your day on a positive note, as well as hydrate your body and prepare it for the day or night ahead.
Drink hot water throughout the day, but not too much. The recommended amount of water intake for adults is about 2 liters or 8 glasses per day, depending on your age, weight, activity level, and climate. You can drink hot water as part of this amount, but do not exceed it, as this can cause water intoxication or hyponatremia, a condition where the sodium levels in your blood become too low.
Summary
Drinking hot water can have many benefits for your health, such as improving digestion, boosting metabolism, relieving congestion, reducing pain, and promoting relaxation. However, you need to drink hot water safely and moderately, and not rely on it as a substitute for medical treatment or a healthy lifestyle. If you have any health issues or concerns, consult your doctor before drinking hot water or making any changes to your diet or habits.
Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)
Internal Medicine Specialist
Kify Hospital
Danavaipeta
Rajahmundry
Phone : 85000 23456
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