Cold or Warm Water?

The human body is composed of mostly water, about 50~60% of our body, to be exact.  Therefore, it is an essential source for our health.  Additionally, water is vital to maintain our body's proper function.  Then beckons the question: does water temperature of water we drink make a difference?  And what does temperature have to do with our health? 

Most people will opt to drink cold water on hot humid days to feel refreshed.  What people don’t realize is that as much as cold water makes us feel refreshed when we drink it, but it in turn hurts the body.  Where warm water bring many benefits to our body. 

Cold water is refreshing when one is chugging it down on a hot summer day, however, once the water enters the body it actually decreases the energy level.  Cold water runs anywhere between 47~70 degrees Fahrenheit. The human body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, so our body will need to use extra energy to warm up the cold water.  
And of course, it is a known fact that cold shrinks and hot expands.  With cold water in your body, the blood vessels will shrink.  As a result, one of the negative impacts it brings is hindering one’s digestive abilities and trigger abdominal pain, constipation, and upset stomach. 
The cold temperature of the water also boosts production of mucus in your body and this causes weakening of the immune system.  These conditions can lead to medical conditions of a runny nose and serious illnesses.  
On a positive note, cold water will help lower heart rate by stimulating the vagus nerve that is a vital component of the autonomous nervous system.  By stimulating the vagus nerve it will lower one’s heart rate.

Warm water usually taken at somewhere between 80~106 degrees Fahrenheit.  While this is not the preferable choice, but it will provide many benefits.  A glass of warm water first thing in the morning helps to flush out toxins that can contribute to several illnesses.  With a slice of lemon in the water, the vitamin C helps to revive the cells while eliminating toxins.  This also assists in preventing premature aging.
All the same time, warm water helps with blood circulation as it helps blood to flow freely.  With an improved blood circulation, it lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.  
With improved blood circulation, it assists with easing pain for menstrual cycle and headaches.  Also can help relieve muscles that are cramped to relax.  
Generally speaking, warmth eases stress.  So when we are under stress, some people take a hot bath or shower to relax.  In the same way, drinking water can make stress disappear by improving nervous system function.  In addition, dehydration also cause cortisol (stress hormone) level to increase.  Therefore, drinking warm water is killing two birds with one stone by helping to release stress and keeping the body hydrated to keep cortisol at a lower level and more controlled.  
Speaking of hydration, warm water also helps to prevent constipation.  Our small intestines needs water to perform its functions of digestion by breaking down our food.  When water intake is not suffice, the small intestine has no choice but to extract water from food.  Consequently, it will cause dehydration and making it difficult to have a bowel movement.  

Drinking water is a key thing to stay healthy.  Be conscience of the temperature of the water you decide to drink.  Listen to what your body is telling you.  Cheers!






Source:
https://positivemed.com/2018/10/08/warm-or-cold-water-make-your-choice-and-see-what-happens-to-your-body/  
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/359266 
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-lower-heart-rate  
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673.php