By all accounts the winter weather hasn’t been behaving itself thus far. Let’s face it, it’s been miserable. There are still a few chilly months to get through before the temperatures begin climbing to a more appealing level and where we won’t need a few layers of insulation.

External heating helps obviously, but there’s a pretty simple and cost effective manner in which to warm yourself internally and that’s to drink hot water. It really is that simple + the benefits are many! We’ll be illustrating these benefits across a two-part series, of which this is the first.

Drinking hot water relieves nasal congestionThe warmth of hot water creates steam.  Inhaling steam rising off your hot water drink can help loosen clogged sinuses and even relieve a sinus headache. *

Since you have mucous membranes throughout your neck and upper torso, drinking hot water can help warm that area and soothe a sore throat caused by mucous build-up.

Aids digestiondrinking hot water both soothes and activates your digestive tract. Water is, after all, the lubricant that keeps your digestion going. As the water moves through your stomach and intestines, digestive organs are better hydrated and able to eliminate waste.

Enhances blood circulation and promote a healthy nervous system which is important for proper muscle and nerve activity. In addition, it keeps your nervous system healthy by breaking down the fat deposits around it.