As a blogista, one would imagine that I love the internet or the worldwide web. You’d be right. It’s packed to capacity with the most incredible information and makes research interesting, amusing, at times alarming and can turn one into a sniffer dog that any contraband sniffing beagle would envy – (all those leads!)
Some time ago, I read one of what I call, Snopes-worthy-at-a-glance chain *shudder* mails. Recently, while researching, I came across another take on the ice-cold water debate, one I hadn’t heard of before.
The First Drinking Ice Water Theory I read is that if you are all hot and bothered and need to cool down, instead of chug-a-lugging litres of brain freezingly cold water, you should rather drink room temperature water (which is disingenuous, because what if your ‘room’ at the time is an Arctic wasteland? Hmf!). The reason for this is that your body works hard to regulate your ‘core’ temperature. Picture the scene:
You’ve just vaulted up two flights of stairs wearing your spencer and Ugg boots. You get to the landing, leopard crawl down the corridor, reach your water dispenser station, roll onto your back underneath the water cooler, open the tap, a steady stream of water from source pouring refreshingly down your gullet. Now your body is hot. The water is cold. So, whereas you are hydrating your body, which is what your body is asking for, your body now must work double time to ‘heat up’ the water to your core temperature, which is baaad. Or so the chain mail said. I am, (of course), paraphrasing (a lot). I think, for this next one, I don’t have to draw a scenario for you.
The Second Drinking Ice Water Theory is just plain funny – ha ha and peculiar. According to this zinger and I’m quoting, “Drinking Ice Water after a meal … will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. Once this ‘sludge’ reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food.”
Anyhow, so of the two, which is absolute Hogwarts (sorry!) hogwash and which, if any, of the two, have an element of truth in them? I believe the answer to both is a ‘what’s good for you coupled with common sense’ thought process.
Personally I tend to believe the first theory – if our bodies are ‘normally’ at about 37C° and you’ve exerted yourself which means that your body temperature us higher; then with ice water being around 0C°, it would make sense that your body has to work harder to regulate the temperature of the cold water to, rather ironically, cool you down.
So, on this, I’d suggest that if you do decide to Rocky it up the stairs, dressed like Bradley Cooper in The Silver Linings Playbook, for reasons known only to you; by all means perch next to the water cooler, just don’t guzzle. Pour yourself a cup of cool water and drink it slowly.
As for the ‘sludge’ that ice water turns ‘the oily stuff’ into theory, I truly, for once, don’t have a comeback for this marvel of silly.
Keen on having chilled, cool, ambient temperature or even piping hot water available immediately? You need look no further than the UK’s leading water cooler supplier: AquAid. You’re welcome. Drink up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is drinking cold water bad for your body temperature regulation?
Drinking cold water can make your body work harder to regulate its core temperature. When you consume ice-cold water, your body needs to expend energy to warm it up to match your internal temperature, which is typically around 37°C. This can be counterproductive if you're trying to cool down after exertion, as it may initially make you feel refreshed but can lead to more energy being used.
It's important to listen to your body and consider the context. If you're overheated, drinking room temperature water might be more effective in helping your body cool down without the added work of adjusting the temperature of the cold water. However, if you enjoy cold water and it doesn't cause discomfort, moderate consumption is generally fine.
Can drinking cold water after meals affect digestion?
There is a theory that drinking cold water after meals can solidify fats from the food you've consumed, potentially affecting digestion. This idea suggests that the cold temperature could cause fats to harden, making them more difficult to digest. However, this theory lacks substantial scientific backing and is often considered more of a myth than a proven fact.
In reality, your digestive system is quite efficient at handling various temperatures and textures of food and drink. While extremely cold water might temporarily slow down digestion, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall process. As always, it's best to consume water at a temperature that feels comfortable to you.
What are the benefits of drinking cold water?
Drinking cold water can be refreshing and help you feel more alert, especially in warm weather or after physical activity. The cooling sensation can provide a quick way to lower your body temperature and make you feel more comfortable. For some people, cold water is simply more palatable, encouraging them to drink more and stay hydrated.
Hydration is crucial for maintaining bodily functions, and if cold water encourages you to drink more, it can help you meet your daily fluid needs. However, it's important to balance this with your body's response and choose the temperature that feels best for you in different situations.
Is it better to drink room temperature water instead of cold water?
Drinking room temperature water can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when you're trying to cool down after exercise. It allows your body to absorb the water without needing to expend extra energy to warm it up. This can be more efficient for hydration and temperature regulation.
However, personal preference plays a significant role in this choice. Some people find room temperature water more palatable, while others prefer the refreshing taste of cold water. Both options have their place, and the best choice depends on your individual needs and circumstances.
Are there any risks associated with drinking cold water?
Drinking cold water is generally safe, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Some people may experience discomfort or a headache, often referred to as 'brain freeze,' when consuming very cold beverages quickly. Additionally, if you have sensitive teeth, cold water might cause temporary discomfort.
For most people, these issues are minor and can be managed by sipping slowly or allowing the water to warm slightly before drinking. If you have specific health concerns or conditions that affect your ability to tolerate cold temperatures, it might be worth discussing your water consumption habits with a healthcare professional.
