If you have the habit of drinking ice-cold water to quench your thirst after coming back home from the office or after shopping, then you need to stop that habit as drinking ice-cold water is bad for your health in many ways including taking a toll on your digestive tract.
Ayurveda is against the practice of drinking ice-cold water no matter how hot it is. Consuming ice-cold water dampens the digestive fire or Agni. Agni helps to process everything we take in through the senses, including food, water, and beverages. Drinking chilled water during a meal or at any time can disturb the normal functioning of the gastric juices and upset the balance of the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The doshas get aggravated by chilled water. Due to the poor strength of digestive activity, the doshas start vitiating one another and cause diseases.
Some people believe that drinking chilled water burns more calories. That is true, but for the short term. It is because the body struggles to return to homeostasis. However, in the long run, drinking freezing water creates imbalances that can ultimately result in weight gain. Ayurveda believes that ice-cold water is poison to the system while hot water is nectar.
Some studies suggest that people with conditions like achalasia that affect the esophagus, or food pipe, should avoid drinking cold water. Achalasia is a rare condition that makes swallowing food and drinks difficult.
A 2012 study found that drinking ice-cold water made the symptoms of achalasia more serious. When the participants were given hot water to drink, it helped to soothe and relax the food pipe, making it easier for them to swallow food and drink.
Another study suggested that drinking ice-cold water causes headaches in some people. The researchers reported that 7.6 percent of the participants experienced headaches after drinking ice-cold water. The study also found that participants with active migraine suffered from a headache after drinking chilled cold water.
Why chilled water is bad for health
Hampers digestion
Our blood vessels get contracted when we drink chilled water or cold beverages, thereby restricting the digestion process. It also obstructs the natural process of absorbing nutrients during digestion. As the body tries to regulate its temperature with that of ice-cold water, its focus gets diverted from digestion. This actually causes water loss and will make you feel dehydrated.
The normal temperature of our body is 37 degrees C, and when we drink cold water which is of low temperature, our body compensates by spending energy to regulate this temperature. So the extra energy that is used for regulating the temperature can be used in the process of digestion and absorbing the nutrients. Hence, we should always drink water at room temperature.
Cold and sore throat
Drinking chilled water increases the chances of catching a cold with a sore throat and runny nose. Drinking chilled water, especially after a meal, leads to the building up of excess mucus (respiratory mucosa), which forms a protective layer of the respiratory tract. When the tract gets congested, it can lead to many inflammatory infections.
Makes the breakdown of fats tough
Drinking chilled water, particularly after meals, solidifies the fats in the foods we consume. This becomes difficult for the body to break down. These unwanted fats then start accumulating in the body. It is also suggested not to drink water immediately after your meal. Experts recommend keeping a window of 30 minutes after a meal and before you drink water.
Decreases heart rate
Studies have shown that drinking cold water may decrease the heart rate. Drinking ice-cold water stimulates the tenth cranial nerve called the vagus nerve. This nerve is an important part of the body’s nervous system, and it helps in lowering the heart rate. When we drink chilled water, the low temperature of the water stimulates the nerve to cause the heart rate to drop.
Harmful after workout
Experts advise against drinking chilled water after a workout session. Gym experts also suggest having warm water after a workout. This is because when we work out, a lot of heat is generated, and if you drink chilled water immediately after, the mismatch of temperatures will take a toll on our digestive tract. Besides, our bodies cannot absorb cold water, affecting our health. You may even have chronic pain in the stomach if you drink chilled water right after the workout. This is because ice-cold water shocks the body system.
