Benefits of Drinking Warm Water During Winter

 

When winter hits hard, we love sipping warm drinks like tea, coffee, or a nice bowl of soup to keep the chill at bay. But have you ever noticed how easy it is to forget about plain old water when it is cold outside? Yes, it happens. We skip drinking water, which can leave us feeling dehydrated. But just because it is freezing doesn't mean we should skip the H2O. It is just as important in winter as it is in summer. The thought of drinking cold water when it is freezing outside might make you shiver, but that is where the good old habit of drinking warm water comes in handy. It has been around forever and people of all ages swear by it. 

Water, whether it is hot or cold, keeps us hydrated, cushions our joints and muscles, and helps with all those important things our bodies do. Warm water, along with a nice herbal tea, is a fantastic way to stay hydrated when it is cold season. So, why drink warm water in the winter? Well, for starters, it is super soothing and it has some great benefits that make it worth your while. 

. Here are a few reasons why it's a good habit:

1. Keeps You Warm

Have you ever noticed how warm water helps maintain body temperature, especially when the environment is chilled? It can be a comforting way to combat the chill. When you drink warm water, the warmth seeps into your body, which raises your internal temperature and provides immediate relief. Warm water combats the cold sensation in your mouth and throat, providing comfort and reducing the feeling of being chilled.

2. Aids Digestion

Warm water can give your digestion a boost by stimulating blood flow to the digestive tract and helping in the breakdown of food more efficiently. The warmth increases blood flow to the digestive tract, helping the stomach and intestines work more smoothly. It prevents constipation and makes life and mornings easier.

Having a glass of warm water first thing in the morning is a pretty good habit. It can kickstart your digestive system and help flush out toxins. It is like setting the stage for a day of better digestion. Warm water can even dissolve fats and oils from your food better than cold water. 

 It is a good practice to drink a glass of warm water first thing in the morning. But don't go overboard with the heat as it can scald your mouth or throat, just warm enough to be soothing.

3. Boosts Circulation

Drinking warm water can improve blood circulation in winter when it might slow down due to cold temperatures. In winter, extremities like fingers and toes may experience poor blood flow due to cold-induced constriction of blood vessels. Drinking warm water can counteract this by helping maintain warmth and blood flow to these areas.

 Warm water causes blood vessels to widen, reducing resistance and improving blood flow throughout the body which means better blood circulation and the heart does not have to work hard. This can help tissues and organs receive oxygen and nutrients more efficiently. Improved circulation supports cardiovascular health and lowers blood pressure over time. Improved blood circulation means that toxins and waste products are removed more effectively through the kidneys and skin, contributing to a detoxifying effect.

4. Supports Hydration

When it gets chilly outside, people tend to drink less water. Choosing warm water can encourage better hydration.  As we know how in the winter, people just don't feel as thirsty, warm water is an excellent way to stay hydrated.

 Warm water is absorbed more quickly by the body than cold water because it is closer to body temperature. This ensures better and faster hydration of cells. In cold weather, warm water feels soothing and comforting, which can encourage you to drink more compared to cold water, making it easier to stay hydrated. Warm water soothes the throat and relieves dryness, making it especially beneficial for people prone to respiratory issues during winter. Creating a hydration routine for winter ensures you stay well-hydrated, even when thirst signals are less noticeable.

5. Relieves Congestion

Warm water can help relieve nasal congestion, soothe a sore throat, and ease other cold or flu symptoms common during winter. Drinking warm water keeps the mucous membranes moist, making it easier to loosen and expel mucus.  The warmth can create mild steam, soothing the nasal passages and throat, and reducing irritation caused by dryness or inflammation.

Warm water can help relieve lung congestion in several ways, though it is not a magic cure for congestion. Drinking warm water can help thin out mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear the lungs. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining thin mucus and aiding the body's natural ability to clear congestion.

6. Detoxification

Ever thought about how warm water can actually help your body detox? It gets you sweating and keeps your kidneys in top shape. Warm water may slightly raise body temperature, encouraging sweating, which is another natural way the body eliminates toxins. Warm water can help the kidneys flush out toxins more effectively by maintaining hydration and promoting urination. 

When you drink warm water, it helps break down food in your gut, making it easier for your body to soak up nutrients and get rid of waste. Improved blood circulation due to warm water helps transport nutrients and remove toxins more efficiently. Add a squeeze of lemon to warm water for extra detoxifying properties, as lemon is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

7. Soothes Muscles

If your body is feeling tense or stiff due to the cold, warm water can help relax muscles and ease discomfort. Staying hydrated is critical for muscle function. Warm water can help maintain hydration and prevent muscle cramps caused by dehydration. Warm water helps relax the nervous system, which may indirectly ease muscle tension and promote overall relaxation. Warm water opens up your blood vessels, boosting circulation. That means more oxygen and nutrients get to your muscles, helping them relax and bounce back. 

Drink a glass of warm water first thing in the morning to kickstart a happy day. Avoid drinking very hot water to prevent irritation to the mouth or throat. Add a dash of lemon or ginger for extra digestive benefits.