This Is Why You Should NEVER Drink Water With Ice
On a hot day, nothing seems better than a cold glass of water filled with ice cubes. But, as surprising as it might sound, drinking ice water isn’t always as good as you think. In fact, it could lead to some unexpected problems for your health. As per experts, here is why it’s better to skip the ice-cold water.
Drinking Ice-Cold Water Can Be Hard On Your Digestive System
When you drink ice-cold water, you might be putting extra stress on your digestive system. Your body naturally stays at about 98.6°F (37°C). When you drink something much colder, like ice water, your body has to work harder to bring that cold water up to a temperature it can handle. This means your body is using extra energy that could have been used to help digest your food. This can make your digestion slower and might cause discomfort or bloating.
Some experts say that cold water can even make your blood vessels tighten up, which reduces the blood flow to your digestive system. When this happens, your body’s ability to break down and absorb nutrients isn’t as good. While it may not seem like a big deal at first, slowing down your digestion over time isn’t great for your health.
Ice Water Can Give You Headaches
Have you ever gotten a sudden, sharp headache after eating or drinking something cold? That’s called a “brain freeze.” While it’s more common with cold treats like ice cream, drinking ice water can cause a similar feeling. The sudden chill on the roof of your mouth makes the blood vessels in your head tighten and then quickly widen, which can lead to a headache. People who often get migraines may find that ice water can trigger more frequent or worse headaches.
Ice Water Can Make Your Teeth More Sensitive
Drinking ice water can make your teeth feel extra sensitive. For some people, the sudden cold causes sharp or uncomfortable feelings in their teeth. This is especially true if your teeth are already sensitive, as ice water can make it worse. If you often feel this kind of pain, it’s best to avoid really cold drinks.
Ice Water Isn’t Great for Rehydration During Exercise
You might think ice water is the best way to cool down after a workout, but it actually isn’t. Ice water can make it harder for your body to absorb fluids when you’re exercising. During exercise, your body is already working hard to stay cool. Drinking ice-cold water makes your body work even harder to control its temperature, which can lead to cramps or discomfort.
Studies have also found that room-temperature water is absorbed faster by the body compared to ice-cold water, especially during exercise. If you’re dehydrated and need fluids quickly, lukewarm or room-temperature water might be a better choice.
Cold Water May Affect Your Immune System
Drinking ice-cold water can also affect your immune system. The shock of cold water can make your body’s defenses weaker for a short time. Some researchers think that cold water can cause your body to produce more mucus, which makes you more likely to catch a cold or have breathing problems. This is even more true if you already have a sore throat or are feeling sick. Ice water can make those symptoms worse and slow down your recovery.
In some traditional medicine practices, like Ayurveda, it’s believed that cold water can weaken the body’s “digestive fire,” which can slow down your metabolism and make you more likely to get sick. While this might sound different from what you hear in Western medicine, it still shows how temperature can affect the balance in your body.
Cold Water Can Slow Down Your Heart Rate
Here’s something you may not know: drinking ice water can affect your heart rate. When you drink very cold water, it can trigger your vagus nerve, which runs from your brain to your stomach. This nerve helps control your heart rate, and cold temperatures can make it react by slowing your heart rate for a short time. This might not be a big deal for most people, but if you have heart problems, it’s something to think about. Room-temperature water is a safer choice if you want to avoid surprising your heart.
Better Alternatives to Ice Water
So, what should you drink instead? The answer is simple: drink room temperature or lukewarm water. This helps your body stay balanced and doesn’t put extra stress on your digestive or immune systems. It also helps you stay hydrated more effectively, especially when you’re active.
If you want a refreshing drink, try adding a slice of lemon or cucumber to your water. It adds some nice flavor and even gives you a few extra vitamins without the shock of ice. You can also try herbal teas at a mild temperature, which can be both hydrating and soothing without the downsides of cold water.
The Bottom Line
While it might feel good to drink ice water on a hot day, there are some downsides that are worth considering. Ice water can slow down your digestion, trigger headaches, and even affect your heart rate. Instead, choose room-temperature water to help your body work smoothly and avoid extra stress.
Your body works hard to keep a comfortable internal temperature, and drinking ice water forces it to do extra work. Drinking water that’s closer to your body’s natural temperature will help your digestion, help you stay hydrated more easily, and keep your immune system strong.
