Water and hydration: how does water temperature affect the speed of its absorption by the body?
The temperature of the consumed liquid plays an important role in how quickly water enters the tissues and quenches thirst. Cold water passes through the stomach faster than warm water because it does not require additional time to heat up inside the body. This is precisely why on hot summer days or during intense workouts, cold water feels much more appealing and refreshing. It is capable of cooling the body faster and providing instant relief from severe overheating.
On the other hand, room-temperature water or slightly warmed liquid is absorbed by the body more gently and comfortably for the digestive system. Warm water does not cause spasms of the stomach blood vessels and is ideal for morning waking. A glass of warm water drunk on an empty stomach gently kicks off the gastrointestinal tract, helps activate bowel peristalsis, and promotes the removal of metabolic products after nighttime rest.
To quench thirst in daily life, experts recommend choosing room-temperature water. The body does not waste extra energy on thermoregulation, and the liquid manages to distribute evenly across all tissues. Ice-cold water can provoke unpleasant sensations in the throat or slow down digestion if drunk immediately after a heavy, hot lunch.
The choice of water temperature should depend on your current situation and goals. Cool water is appropriate during a workout for rapid cooling, warm liquid is more beneficial in the morning on an empty stomach to kick-start digestion, and during the day it is more comfortable to drink room-temperature water. Listen to your body and choose the option that brings you the greatest enjoyment.