What Are the Ten Benefits of Drinking Hot Water?

1. Increase blood flow

According to a health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Federal Employee Program, hot water consumption warms the body and promotes blood circulation. It can lower blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.

2. Help digestion and may reduce constipation

Drinking hot water can stimulate the digestive system. Constipation and stomach pain are typically caused by waste that has become lodged in the intestines because of digestive problems. And in many cases, constipation is caused by dehydration. Hot water can help hydrate and flush away toxins while acting as a natural lubrication along the digestive system's organs.

3. Relieve the symptoms of a cold

For those suffering over the dreaded cold season, a mug of warm water may be exactly what you need. Drinking warm water helps relieve the symptoms of a cold, clears the nasal passage, and is very comforting when you may be feeling sorry for yourself. According to Hopkins Medical, "Whether it's tea, warm water with lemon or broth, drinking warm liquids can be soothing, prevent dehydration and ease congestion. Avoid salty foods, alcohol, coffee and sugary drinks, which can be dehydrating."

In 2008, a study confirmed that warm drinks cause a significant improvement of nasal airflow. This is why warm drinks are so often used a treatment for the common cold or flu. The report goes on to conclude that " the results support the folklore that a hot tasty drink is a beneficial treatment for relief of most symptoms of common cold and flu."

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4. Acts as a natural detox

According to Healthline, drinking warm water if the best way to detox the body. In a recent article, they state that: "Drinking warm water before bed will keep you hydrated through the night and may help the body to rid itself of unwanted toxins. It may also help to relieve pain or cramping in the stomach." Now, although this is clearly great news. We recommend not drinking your warm water too close to bedtime, interrupted sleep for a trip to the toilet is the last thing you want when trying to sleep.

5. Ease bloating

Bloating is not fun, but luckily warm water can be a huge help here. Not only is it said that drinking warm water can help de-bloat, but hot water can also be used in other ways to help reduce bloating. To relax the muscles in the gut and release the gas, try placing a hot water bottle on the stomach, just make sure you wrap it up so not to burn your skin.

6. Support weight management

Drinking hot water boosts metabolism, promotes a feeling of fullness, and as stated before, aids in digestion. Drinking warm water before a meal may curb your appetite, help you eat less, and contribute to weight loss or management goals.

7. Reduce stress and anxiety

Drinking hot water can give your body the same sensation as a warm bath or shower, promoting relaxation and reducing tension. Drinking warm water activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms down your muscles and mind. A 2014 study showed that not drinking enough water causes fewer positive emotions, so incorporating warm water into your diet can improve your mood. The warm liquid can also have a comforting and soothing effect, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression in your body.

8. Boost the immune system

Hot water has been proven to act as a natural detox, which can flush out toxins within your body, making you sick. But also, hot water can improve your circulation and promote overall wellbeing, which may contribute to the production of white blood cells. This is an important part of your body’s immune response, as white blood cells help to identify and fight off viruses and bacteria. The heat from warm water can also increase your blood flow and soothe inflammation, helping move white blood cells through your body.

9. Increase sleep quality

Drinking hot water can calm the mind and body, which is great before bed. Not only does it activate your nervous system and promote relaxation, but it also increases your body temperature, triggering feelings of drowsiness and making it easier for you to fall asleep.

10. Improve skin health

Drinking warm water can improve skin health by aiding in detoxification, improving circulation, and hydrating the skin. Hot water can naturally open up the pores and help promote better blood flow to the skin, giving you a glowing appearance and may reduce the signs of ageing. Drinking hot water can also help hydrate the skin, preventing dryness. So, if you’re into your skincare, make sure to add drinking water to your regimen.

Is hot water as hydrating as chilled water?

There is no difference, hot water is just as hydrating as cold water. The different temperatures can, however, leave us feeling different after drinking. Warm drinks are comforting, whereas a chilled glass of water will feel more refreshing.

When should I drink hot water?

Incorporating water during your day is key, but drinking hot water at different times reaps its own benefits:

Drinking hot water in the morning - This is the best time to drink warm water, especially on an empty stomach. It can wake up your digestive system, filter out toxins, and leave you feeling refreshed.
Drinking hot water during the day - Sipping warm water throughout the day, especially before or during meals, can aid digestion and ease bloating.
Drinking hot water at night - A small cup in the evening is a great way to unwind, helping your body relax and improving your sleep quality; just be sure to avoid drinking large amounts to prevent midnight bathroom trips.

How to drink hot water?

Always drink warm or comfortably hot water, as boiling water can damage your throat. Start with small sips rather than large gulps to know if it’s too hot for your liking. A good tip is using an insulated flash or thermos to keep your water warm, allowing you to sip throughout the day. You can also alternate between plain warm water and light infusions such as mint, chamomile, lemon or a splash of fruit juice for flavour.

Drinks to make with hot water

1. Hot water with lemon

Adding a lemon slice to your mug of hot water makes a refreshing drink to help start your day or wind down in the evening. The vitamin C in lemons helps fight cold-like symptoms; you can also add honey to your hot lemon water for extra benefits to soothe your throat if you have a sore throat Meidcal News Today goes into more details of the benefits of drinking Lemon Water.

2. Green Tea

Green tea is a popular drink with many and has many benefits, according to Healthline such as being an antioxidant. With its low caffeine level, you can give you a small boost in the morning to help you start your day. To add flavour or further benefits, you can add honey and lemon for a soothing, refreshing drink and ginger or mint.

3. Peppermint Tea

A caffeine-free drink, and despite limited proven trials, it is known to aid digestive issues from gut health to aid menstrual cramp, due to relaxation of the muscles.

4. Hot water with honey

Drinking warm water with honey in it can add sweetness and help soothe a sore throat and cough. Honey's antibacterial properties can also help with sickness and mild digestive issues. In addition, drinking honey in hot water can promote relaxation before bed.

5. Ginger tea

Ginger tea or warm water infused with ginger is a tasty drink with many benefits. It is great for reducing nausea and motion sickness, helping to support digestion, and relieving bloating. Ginger also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which are good for joints, muscles, and immunity.

Hot water dispensers for your business

To make it easier to access hot water in the morning or during the day, we offer hot water dispensers for various industries. With the option to have warm, cold, or sparkling water, you can have a wide range of water types to make staying hydrated much more exciting.

Great for offices, hospitals, hospitality, schools, and more, it is suitable for staff or customers. View our range of industries for more information, take a look at our range of water dispensers or contact us for a quote today.

10 Benefits of Drinking Hot Water