Is Drinking Warm Water Bad For You?

Reaching for a cup of coffee first thing in the morning has become routine for most Americans. Nutrition professionals have suggested that the reason most people wake up feeling groggy is that they are actually dehydrated – not in need of a caffeine infusion. Basic H20 can awaken your body, as you transition into an alert state. This certainly does not negate the dependency most people have on caffeine, however, it does shed light on why someone who is not addicted to caffeine, may wake up drowsy after a full night of refreshing sleep. Research has produced no definitive answer regarding the best temperature for drinking water. For most individuals, it is simply a matter of preference. Though in eastern medicine and other natural based medical practices, warm water has a clear advantage in the benefits provided to the body.

Experts in diet and exercise suggest that drinking cold water increases metabolism because the body has to work harder to bring the icy liquid to body temperature. Others say that hot water increases metabolism. Many eastern medicine practices encourage people to drink a warm cup of water with lemon immediately upon rising. The warm lemon water helps the liver to become alert. This is said to assist in strengthening the immune system, particularly in colder months. As the warm lemon water awakens the liver, it begins the day with flushing toxins and metabolic waste. This practice is also noted as a way to gently begin the digestive and elimination process. 

The recommendation by some physicians is to drink warm water in the morning, which will decrease the activity of free radicals in the body. Some experts claim that warm water helps tighten the intestines, further optimizing bowel activity and improving elimination. Another benefit of drinking warm water is relieving constipation.

Warm water helps eliminate fat deposits and flushes the toxins that are found in the circulatory system, enhancing the quality of the blood and improving circulation. It produces a relaxing effect on the entire body, including the muscle fibers. Ensuring the muscles are relaxed and not tense, will enhance circulation and improve blood flow.

There are many pain-relieving properties to drinking warm water. Considered by natural medicine proponents to be the most powerful home remedy found in nature, warm water provides relief to those suffering from headaches, common cold symptoms, and menstrual pain. The warmth of the liquid soothes and calms the muscles, which brings relief to muscle spasms and cramps.

Anything that improves digestion, circulation, helps with maintaining a healthy weight, and eliminates free radicals from the body will improve the conditions associated with aging. While toxins in the body aim to increased signs of aging, the cleansing effect of warm water helps flush toxins from the body, repair skin cells, and improve elasticity.

The only concern to consider about drinking warm water is the quality and purity of the water being consumed. Drinking water directly from the tap may lead to exposure to toxic chemicals that are found the local water supply. Many people are shocked to find out exactly what is hiding in their tap water. The majority of the beneficial properties stem from how warm water is able to enhance detoxification and metabolic waste processes. These two factors create a snowball effect with the numerous other benefits. It would be counterproductive to attempt to utilize the detoxification benefits of warm water if the water is loaded with toxins. Natural spring water from a trusted source, alkaline in nature, is best.