Hot Water
We use hot water in a variety of ways. Used in hot infusions like teas and decoctions for longer preparations. Used in distillation when extracting essential oils and hydrosols. Used as an ingredient when making creams and food recipes.
Surprisingly warm/hot water has many benefits when consumed!
Healthier digestion
When a person does not drink enough water, the small intestine absorbs most of the water consumed through food and drinking. This causes dehydration and can make it more difficult
to have a bowel movement. Chronic dehydration can cause corresponding chronic constipation. This constipation can make bowel movements painful and may cause other problems, including hemorrhoids and bloating. Drinking hot water helps to break down food faster than drinking cold or warm water. It reduces the risk of constipation by supporting regular bowel movements.
Body detoxification
Natural health advocates argue that hot water might help the body detoxify. When water is hot enough to raise a person’s body temperature, it can cause sweating. Sweating expels toxins and can help clean the pores.
Improved circulation
Hot water is a vasodilator, meaning it expands the blood vessels, improving circulation. This can help muscles relax and reduce pain. Although no studies have directly linked hot water to sustained improvements in circulation, even brief improvements in circulation can support better blood flow to muscles and organs.
Weight loss
Research has long supported the idea that drinking more water can help a person lose weight. This may partially be because drinking water increases feelings of fullness. Water also helps the body absorb nutrients, and it flushes out waste. A study published in 2003 found that switching from drinking cold water to hot water could increase weight loss. Researchers found that drinking 500 ml of water before a meal increased metabolism by 30 percent. Raising water temperature to 98.6 degrees accounted for 40 percent of the increase in metabolism. This metabolic step-up lasted for 30-40 minutes, following water consumption.
Reduced pain
Hot water improves circulation and may also improve blood flow, particularly to injured muscles. No research has directly linked hot water consumption to pain relief. However, people routinely use heat packs and hot water bottles to reduce pain. Consuming hot water may offer some internal pain relief, but it is important to note that heat can also exacerbate swelling.
Fighting colds and improving sinus health
Heat applied to the sinuses can alleviate pressure caused by colds and nasal allergies. Steam also helps unclog the sinuses. Drinking hot water may help mucous move more quickly. This
means that drinking hot water may encourage coughing and nose-blowing to be more productive.
Prevents constipation
Intestinal movement is important to avoid bloating, abdominal pain and discomfort. Dr. Rupali Datta suggests that having warm water is great for internal ‘cleansing’. It regulates
bowel movement and prevents constipation.
Stimulates hunger
Anju Sood, a Bengaluru based nutritionist elaborates, “When you have warm water, the body has to work harder to bring down its temperature. Thus, the metabolic system is kicked off.”
This further triggers the mind to demand food and stimulates hunger.
Pain relief from menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps can be quite painful for some. A warm water bottle pressed against your belly may be your favourite way to deal with period pain, but did you know that drinking
warm water can help too? Studies suggest that drinking warm water increases blood circulation, which works as a pain reliving mechanism.
Prevents premature ageing
As mentioned above, warm water consumption removes toxins from the body, through sweat, bowel movement and unclogged pores. The presence of toxins in the body leads to premature
ageing.
Reduced stress
A soothing cup of hot water may help people manage stress and anxiety. An older study found that consumption of hot liquids, such as tea and coffee, could lower stress and
reduce feelings of anxiety. The study argues that some of the effects are due to caffeine, but that the warmth also played a role in the improved mood of participants.
Poonam et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research