Staying hydrated is vital for health. Hence, experts usually suggest drinking at least 10-12 glasses of water daily. But, during summer, do you often meet that requirement by drinking cold water? Turns, out, it’s not just advised for people with throat ailments, but directly drinking water from the fridge must generally be avoided by everyone. It is said that the colder the water, the more severe the consequences. Let’s find out more.
“Excessive consumption of cold water might potentially shock the body’s systems, especially the digestive system, causing some people to experience transient pain or digestive problems. Moreover, extremely cold water may temporarily restrict the blood vessels in the throat, causing soreness or irritation,” Dr Mohan Kumar Singh, senior consultant, internal medicine, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, told indianexpress.com.
The top 7 reasons to ditch that glass of ice-cold water during the summer season
Irritation
Extremely cold water can cause throat irritation and exacerbate existing throat issues, such as soreness or inflammation. “In addition, drinking ice water, especially after a meal, might trigger increased mucus production in the throat, which can worsen symptoms for patients with conditions like colds, flu, or allergies,” said Yashika Dua, nutrition consultant, Artemis Lite 82A, Gurgaon.
Constriction
Cold water can cause blood vessels to constrict, potentially reducing blood flow to the throat area, and thereby hindering the healing process in case of any infection. “This can lead to several unpleasant symptoms, such as bloating, cramping, and even constipation. So, for better digestion, it is better to avoid cold water,” said Vinita Singh Rana, senior dietician, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad.
Muscle tension
Ice-cold water may lead to muscle tension in the throat, making swallowing more difficult and uncomfortable for throat patients. “It may also cause sore throat, blocked nose, and other respiratory infections,” said Dua.
Regular ice cold water can cause throat pain (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Affects heart rate and may cause headaches
Cold water has been shown to reduce or drop the heart rate. “This effect is attributed to the activation of the tenth cranial nerve, also called the vagus nerve, a crucial component of the body’s autonomous nervous system responsible for regulating heart rate,” said Dua.
Consuming cold water can cool down many nerves in your spine, which affects the brain and leads to headaches, said Rana. “This situation can increase the problem for people suffering from sinus problems and for those who live with migraine, if they are sensitive to cold,” said Rana.
Disturbs digestion
Consumption of extremely cold water or beverages can contract blood vessels, disrupting digestion. “Cold water induces stomach contraction, complicating the digestive process post-meal. The digestive system is particularly sensitive to the influence of cold water as it hinders the natural process of nutrient absorption during digestion,” noted Dua.
Hinders weight management
Cold water impedes the burning of stored body fat, thus hindering weight loss efforts. According to experts, drinking chilled water just after a meal solidifies the fat from the foods consumed, therefore, it’s advisable to avoid cold water intake for at least 30 minutes post-meal if aiming to reduce weight.
Tooth sensitivity
Chilled water intake may contribute to tooth sensitivity, posing challenges in chewing and drinking. ” When you consume something too cold, it can cause your tooth enamel to weaken, which can lead to sensitivity,” said Rana. “Opting for room-temperature water is recommended to mitigate dental issues,” added Dua.
What should you have?
Room temperature or warm water is often recommended for throat patients or the ones who already have tooth sensitivity as it aids in the healing process, Dua said.
Are you drinking ice cold water regularly? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock) 
Regular ice cold water can cause throat pain (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
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