8 Benefits of Drinking Warm Water

Why Warm Water?

While it may not be the most popular way to drink water, before you say “hard pass,” hear us out. By swapping out your chilly drinks for something a little warmer, you could get tons of health benefits. Whether you’re sipping from a 40 oz tumbler or a smaller cup, you can aid digestion, improve circulation, and promote detoxification. Many people find that incorporating warm water into their day helps them feel more energized and healthier overall. Additionally, warm water can be soothing, helping to relax muscles and ease tension in the body.  But is drinking warm water good for you? Absolutely! 

The practice of drinking warm water is rooted in various cultural and traditional health practices, such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, which have long recognized the therapeutic properties of warm water. These traditions suggest that warm water can balance the body's internal systems and improve overall vitality. Drinking warm water can also ease up the workload on your digestive system, making it easier for your body to process food and absorb nutrients. Whether you're starting your day with a cup of warm water or sipping it throughout the day from your FreeSip water bottle or 40 oz tumbler, this simple habit can have seriously positive effects on your health and well-being.

Is Warm Water Better Than Cold Water?

Is warm water good for you? The debate between warm water and cold water is a pretty hot topic. While both have their fan clubs, which one should you pick? Let’s get into this. 

You may have only used warm water for tea or hot chocolate in the past, you’re missing out on some benefits. If your digestion is a little sluggish, warm water will wake up those enzymes and help out your digestion and make it easier to absorb nutrients. It’s also ultra soothing to sip on.

Drinking cold water, on the other hand, is better for cooling down quickly. But cold water can sometimes be a shock to the digestive system, potentially causing cramps or slowing down the digestive process. It's also worth noting that while cold water is effective for rapid hydration and cooling down, warm water can offer a more sustained and comfortable hydration experience. Ultimately, the choice between warm and cold water may come down to personal preference and specific health needs, but the benefits of drinking warm water are clear and compelling.

Benefits of Drinking Warm Water

1. Relieves congestion

Got a stuffy nose? Warm water is your new best friend. Drinking warm and hot water helps clear nasal passages, making it easier to breathe when you have a cold or allergies. How? The steam from hot water loosens mucus, giving you relief you need. So next time cold and flu season rolls around, you’ll be prepared. By drinking warm water, you’ll keep those nasal passages moist, reduce mucus buildup, and support your immune system in fighting off infections. Plus, it’ll make it a little easier to sleep, which is a major win when you’re sick.

2. Improves circulation

If you’re feeling a little sluggish, warm water might do the trick. It acts as a vasodilator, expanding blood vessels and enhancing blood flow. This not only reduces your risk of cardiovascular issues but also improves overall heart health. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your tissues and organs, promoting better function and healing. Additionally, improved circulation keeps blood clots at bay and helps keep your heart healthy.

3. Aids digestion

Warm water is great for your tummy. It can help break down food faster, promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and just generally make sure that your digestive system is running as smoothly as possible. Drinking warm water before or after a meal is a great way to make sure you don’t have any unwanted effects from eating—like bloating and discomfort, so you can keep up a healthy diet.

4. Assists detoxification

Drinking hot water can kick start sweating and increase circulation to flush toxins out of your body, improving kidney and liver function. By enhancing your body's natural detox mechanisms, warm water helps it have a clean and healthy internal environment. So what does that mean for you? Regular detoxification can make your skin healthier, boost energy levels, and support the immune system. With benefits like that, we definitely want in.

5. Helps with hydration

Warm water is really palatable (and consistent), which helps you drink more. Cool, huh? It also helps with better absorption, so your body stays hydrated throughout the day. If you haven’t heard… hydration is only the most important thing ever. It maintains bodily functions like temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and nutrient transportation. Plus, warm water can keep you warm—and extra hydrated—during chilly winter months.

6. Pain relief

If you deal with cramps, headaches, or sore muscles, drinking warm water is here to help. The heat from warm water can increase blood flow to those achy areas. This can be particularly helpful for menstrual cramps, muscle spasms, and other forms of pain. So instead of reaching for painkillers, maybe try a warm glass of water first.

7. Stress reduction

If you deal with stress on a daily basis, listen up. Warm water has a calming effect on the body, helping to reduce anxiety and stress levels. The soothing nature of warm water can help calm the nervous system and reduce the production of stress hormones. This can help balance out your mood, lead to better mental clarity, and improve your overall well-being. So add this ritual to your daily schedule—your mental health will thank you.

8. Improved sleep

If you’ve ever taken a warm bath and suddenly been tired (or instantly relaxed), drinking warm water can have that same effect (with less effort). It helps relax your body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. It also makes digesting your evening meal a bit easier, so you don’t have uncomfortable side effects in the middle of the night. This can be a game changer if you suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders.

Tips for Drinking Warm Water

Have we swayed you to drink warm water yet? Good. To get the most out of your new routine, try these tips.

• Drink warm water in the morning to kickstart your metabolism and hydrate your body after a night's rest. Starting your day with warm water can help flush out toxins that have built up overnight and prepare your digestive system for the day's meals. It can also boost your metabolism, helping you maintain a healthy weight and improve energy levels throughout the day. With benefits like these, you won’t want to miss a single day!
• Add a slice of lemon for added flavor and vitamin C, which can boost your immune system and enhance the taste. Lemon adds a refreshing twist, but also some seriously awesome benefits such as improving skin health, supporting digestion, and balancing the body's pH levels. Lemon water can also help reduce inflammation and cleanse the liver. Get ready to feel better on the inside and look even better on the outside. 
• Avoid scalding hot water to prevent burns. Nobody wants a burnt tongue. Drink water at a temperature that feels soothing and pleasant. Lukewarm water is a great way to reap the benefits without any bad effects.
• Drink warm water before meals to bump up your digestion and nutrient absorption. It can also make you feel more full, which helps you from overeating (or getting a serious case of the munchies), which makes managing weight easier.

Incorporate warm water into your evening routine to relax your body and get a good night's sleep. But it won’t just happen overnight—you’ve got to be consistent to reap the benefits of this simple yet powerful habit. Sipping warm water before bed can help relax your muscles, calm your mind, and create a peaceful environment to catch more zzz’s.

Potential Downsides of Drinking Warm Water

Hey, we didn’t say it would all be perfect. The side effects of drinking warm water are few. The number one thing to remember is that you need to be  careful that your water isn’t too hot (to avoid burns). It can also lead to dehydration if consumed in excess and may be less refreshing than cold water—especially in hot weather. It's important to always check that the water temperature is comfortable before downing a glass.

Summary

In summary, the benefits of drinking warm water are significant and varied. From improved digestion and circulation to detoxification and stress reduction, warm water can be a powerful addition to your daily routine. Understanding the benefits and potential downsides can help you make informed choices about your hydration habits. By incorporating warm water into your daily life, you can support your overall health and well-being in a simple yet effective way.

Stay Hydrated With Owala

Stick with us and you’ll be able to keep dehydration at bay. Our innovative FreeSip® water bottles are designed to keep your water at the perfect temperature, whether you prefer it warm, cold, or room temperature. Not only that, but we’ve got tons of sizes, shapes, and spouts to choose from, so you can drink exactly how you want, when you want. Plus, our designs and colors have been known to turn a lot of heads. Take a look now.