Is Cold Water Bad for You?
por Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated January 10, 2024
We pay close attention to how much water we consume daily. The National Academics
outlines the recommended nutrient intake in their Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) report
. The report suggests that a healthy adult male should consume approximately 3.7 liters of water from beverages
daily, while an adult female should consume around 2.7 liters, including water from food.
People also consider the water’s temperature because of their individual
preferences and perspectives on health-related matters. In the United States, cold plunges are becoming more and
more popular as a health practice; however, some “health conscious” individuals prefer warm water because they
think it’s better for internal functions like digestion. Other cultural customs, like traditional Chinese
medicine, which advises against using cold water, might also have an impact on them. So, are all those adverse
effects of cold water true, or are they just stereotypes? Can warm water prevent these problems?
The Cold Plunge Practice
Recently, cold plunges have gained popularity as a form of therapy or exercise in
the US, drawing attention to the use of cold water and its possible health advantages. In this practice, people
submerge themselves for brief periods of time in a tub or pool of freezing water, typically at or below 10°C.
It is believed that this will cause a variety of physiological reactions that could
aid in circulation, mood enhancement, and healing. Advocates assert that it can result in decreased
inflammation, a stronger immune system, and improved sleep. The
Nordic traditional ice bathing is one of the global origins of many hydrotherapy practices that
contribute to the common association of cold plunges with health routines.
Different Choices of Cold Plunge
Cold submersion treatments come in a variety of forms, from at-home cold plunge,
sleek traditional plunge pools with excellent water filtration and cold plunge temperature control to deeply
embedded in-ground systems that seamlessly integrate with outdoor spaces and offer longevity, customized
choices, as well as enhanced water filtration and temperature control.
These days, portable ice baths are also popular because they are portable and
simple to move. They provide ice treatment while you’re on the go, even though they don’t have as much
insulation as permanent basins, they still work well to keep things cold and save money.
External refrigeration units descend into the arena when the temperature of the
aquatic environment demands it. These devices retrofit larger pool systems or spas to quickly transition from
warm to cold conditions while enhancing the quality of the water through filtration systems combined with UV
germ elimination.
Aside from man-made reservoirs, there are other ways to enjoy the therapeutic
benefits of an ice bath, such as quick hydro showers, the wild embrace of frozen lakes and streams, or even more
basic, homemade ice baths. These different approaches provide therapeutic benefits by cooling the body naturally
or with assistance, appropriate for anyone wishing to add the reviving powers of cold exposure to their daily
wellness routines.
Benefits of Cold Plunge
The human body can benefit greatly from cold plunges, which include hormone
regulation, swelling reduction, and dopamine stimulation. We will concentrate on the main
characteristics that draw people into experiencing it in this post. It is important to remember that cold baths
are not recommended for all body types and shouldn’t be used carelessly or frequently. We must approach it
methodically, beginning with a thorough assessment of our suitability for this kind of treatment.
Reduce Inflammation
The tightening of blood vessels known as vasoconstriction can result from a cold
plunge. This constriction can lessen blood flow to inflammatory regions, which will lessen swelling and
inflammation. To reduce post-exercise inflammation and expedite recovery, athletes frequently submerge
themselves in a cold plunge before or after workout.
Decreased Stress and Enhanced Mood
The body releases endorphins , which are naturally occurring painkillers,
in large quantities when submerged in cold water. This may produce euphoria, which lifts the spirits. Over time,
the practice can also increase resilience, which lowers daily stress levels and decreases reaction to stressors.
Increased Metabolism
Due to the body’s increased effort to maintain core temperature, a cold plunge can
raise metabolic rate. In order to generate body heat and burn more calories, thermogenesis starts. This may eventually result in
metabolic changes that could help with weight control and general metabolic health.
Pain relief and Healing
Cold water exposure can have a soothing effect without having the negative effects
of some medications. Joint pain and muscular aches are lessened by the numbing effect. When combined with
decreased inflammation after exercise, this can speed up injury recovery, minimize recovery time, and enhance
general physical readiness.
Drinking Warm Water vs Cold Water
Which type of water do you prefer to stay hydrated when you are thirsty - cold or
warm? Despite the widespread belief that ice and cold water are unhealthy, Some people still dislike hot or warm
water. This is especially true on hot days or after intense exercise when a glass of ice water instantly revives
and uplifts your spirits.
In order to understand how water temperature impacts our health, we will discuss
the pros and cons of drinking cold water, regardless of whether you belong to a warm-water school or a
cold-water school. You can select a different water temperature in different situations based on the properties
of the water as well as your personal preferences.
Drinking Cold Water Benefits and Risks
Drinking chilly water before, during, and after exercise may not only help the body
cool down but may also help the participant do better. Cool water aids in heat loss and reduces body
temperature.
In cases of severe perspiration or dehydration, reducing thirst does not indicate
that the body has received enough water back; in this regard, the study finds that 16°C is the ideal
temperature for cold water replenishment.
There is a theory that suggests drinking cold water can help with weight loss, but
the effect of water temperature is actually very small. Instead, the emphasis should be on controlling one’s
diet and increasing water intake to boost metabolism and lower calorie intake.
It is best for people to drink warm or hot water to help relieve the symptoms of
colds, because drinking cold water may cause the snot to thicken and worsen nasal congestion.
Additionally, consuming cold or iced water can cause constriction of blood vessels
near the ends and abnormal nerve reflexes, both of which can worsen migraine symptoms.
Drinking Warm Water Benefits and Risks
Warmth is well-known to have therapeutic benefits that support the health of the
brain and spinal cord and can help reduce stress. Raising body temperature has the potential to activate sweat
glands, resulting in increased sweat production. This helps the body eliminate toxins through its pores,
facilitating detoxification .
Warm water consumption can also help the digestive system by promoting the
gastrointestinal tract’s contraction, which eases constipation. Warm water is especially helpful for those who
have sensitive teeth because it is less likely to cause discomfort than colder options, making it a more
pleasant and comfortable option to drink.
Sometimes, warm water isn’t always a clever idea. Some people can find it
uncomfortable to drink if they have certain throat or stomach issues. Additionally, if the water is too hot,
there is a chance of scorching the oral cavity or esophagus.
Conclusion
As each person has a unique body constitution, temperature sensitivity, and degree
of tolerance for warm and cold water, it is okay to use either warm or cold water if it does not cause
discomfort.
To stay healthy, it is critical to develop the habit of consuming more water and
using its temperature to improve health. However, making someone used to cold water quickly adjust to warm water
could make them less likely to reach for water on a regular basis. It is best to base your decision about the
water’s temperature depending on the practical situations and your own activity level.
Contaminants Detected in Fruitland Water
Special
Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES
30 Total Contaminants in Your Water
Water Provider
Fruitland Water Special Service DistrictPopulation Affected
120,000Water Source
Ground waterExceeds Guidelines
Others Detected