Why is Cold Water Bad for You: 5 Side Effects of Cold Water

In summer thirstiness level surges, and you drink lots of water. And most people look for cold water to drink that makes them feel more relaxed. And few of them, especially people living in urban areas use refrigerated water.

But do you know drinking cold water is actually bad for your health? Especially, the cold water you take out from your fridge or from the water cooler installed in your office. Yes, there are side effects of drinking cold water and you need to know them, when you should drink cold water and how to keep your drinking water cool naturally at home.     

Why is Cold Water Bad for You?

Scientifically, when you drink cold water your body struggles to maintain the optimal inner temperature (37°C) if the temperature of the water is extremely less.

And, at the time of taking full meals don’t drink cold water, as it neutralizes the gastritis level in your stomach, which usually becomes active when you start eating foods and helps in digestion. 

5 Disadvantages of Drinking Cold or Fridge Water

#1 Affects the Digestive System

The worst disadvantage of drinking cold water is, it badly affects your digestive system. Actually, as per the experts, chilled water and even cold beverages contract your blood vessels and hinder the natural process of absorbing nutrients during digestion. 

Actually, when you drink cold water, your body diverts its energy from digestion to regulating the body temperature of the water you drank.

Drinking extra cold water diverts energy in regulating the body temperature that would have been originally used in the process of digestion and absorbing the important nutrients.    

#2 Leads to Constipation

As you got know drinking cold water affects your digestive system and when your digestive system does not work properly, it leads to constipation. And if you drink lukewarm water in the morning it will help you to get rid of constipation. 

Actually, when you drink cold water, it solidifies and hardens the food while passing through your intestine. Due to cold water intestine contracts and digested food converted into stool becomes hard leading to the causes of constipation. 

#3 Slowdowns Heart Rate

Another disadvantage of drinking fridge water is it slows down the heart rate. When you drink cold water, it supposedly stimulates the tenth cranial nerve which is the vagus nerve.

This nerve is a significant part of the body’s autonomous nervous system, and it mediates the lowering of heart rate.

And when you drink cold water, the low temperature of water stimulates the nerve to cause the heart rate to slow down below normal. But if you feel dehydrated, make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body regulated with enough fluid.          

#4 Causes Headaches & Migraine

As per the research and studies, women who had experienced one or more migraine attacks in the previous year were twice as likely to experience a headache from ingesting the cold water as women who had never suffered from migraine. 

Also Read: Yoga Poses to Cure Migraine: Yoga Exercises to Heal Migraine

The research also reveals that headache caused by drinking cold water is more common in women compared to men. And the results indicate that active migraine facilitates the perception of forehead pain induced by a cold palatal stimulus.

#5 Teeth Sensitivity Problems

If your teeth are exposed to nerve roots or tooth decaying is reached an extreme level you will feel the sensation of pain and discomfort when you drink cold water.

You will also face teeth sensitivity problems if your tooth enamel is exposed due to a cavity.

Few people don’t realize such pain who don’t have teeth related to any problem. But if your teeth are getting affected with bacteria or have gone through the root canal treatment sooner or later will realize such pain in your teeth due to cold, water. 

When Should You Drink Cold Water?

Normally you should avoid drinking cold water in regular ways, but there are certain situations drinking cold water is necessary and beneficial for your health. Though, there is no specific time but is per your activity and body conditions.

Also Read: What Happens if You Drink Too Much Water: Side Effects  

When To Drink Cold Water:

• When you work out or do exercise, cold water helps to control your body temperature.
• When the outside temperature is extremely hot, like in mid-summers and you are stepping outside you should drink cold water before going out, it helps to prevent heat stroke.  
• When you are running with high fever, along with putting the cold water-soaked cloth on your forehead you should also drink cold water to bring down your body temperature.
• If you want to lose weight, drinking cold water will help you, as it helps to burn an extra 70 calories each day, which is equal to fifteen minutes of walking.  

There is no doubt drinking cold water is bad for your body, and warm water is good for your health. Though, you can drink cold water when trying to bring your body’s core temperature down, such as when you’re exercising, when temperatures are high outside, or when you’re running a fever. But on normal days please avoid this.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Drinking Warm Water Daily Even in Summers

And in summer you can’t live without drinking the fridge water, but you can use the clay picture that keeps the water cool naturally. It will also prevent you from suffering from the common cold that usually happens due to drinking refrigerated water.

Also Read: Five Natural Home Remedies to Cure the Common Cold & Cough