As the heat intensifies, many of us turn to cold drinks to cool down. However, excessively cold water temperatures are not good for your health.
Disadvantages of drinking cold beverages
According to Mai Thi Thuy, a Bachelor of Nutrition from the Nutrition Department of Xuyen A General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, drinking cold water during hot weather offers several benefits, such as quickly cooling the body and increasing the desire to drink more water because it's easy to consume. However, drinking cold water can also cause several harmful effects, including:
Slow digestion, bloating, and cramps. Drinking water at 2-4°C during or immediately after a meal can temporarily disrupt digestion. Cold temperatures slow down stomach contractions and slow gastric emptying (the movement of food into the intestines). These effects don't always occur, but they explain why some people may experience intestinal problems (stomach pain, bloating, etc.) after drinking very cold beverages.
Drinking water that's too cold after a meal can easily cause a sore throat; it's best to drink water at 20-22°C. PHOTO: Created by L. Cam from GM
Thermal shock can occur . Drinking something too cold too quickly can cause a sudden drop in temperature in the digestive tract. If you have a sensitive stomach, this thermal shock can cause cramps and discomfort.
Sore throat . Drinking cold water, especially after meals, leads to the formation of excess mucus (respiratory tract lining), which forms a protective layer in the respiratory tract. However, it can cause frostbite, making the throat sore and damaged.
Lowering heart rate. Some studies also suggest that cold water can lower your heart rate. Drinking ice water is thought to stimulate the tenth cranial nerve – the vagus nerve.
Sinus problems and headaches. Drinking too many cold drinks can also cause "brain freeze," especially when you drink too much ice water or eat ice cream. The cold water cools the sensitive nerves of the spine, thus affecting the brain. For this reason, headaches and sinus problems can also occur.
Toothache and enamel sensitivity. Regularly drinking very cold beverages increases tooth sensitivity, especially if the enamel is worn or the gums are receding. It should be noted that temperature changes (cold - hot) also create tension in the tooth tissue. In the long run, this can promote the appearance of small cracks and increase sensitivity to cold.
Photo: PH
What temperature should water be when drinking it?
To maintain daily hydration and digestion, water at room temperature (20-22°C) is generally recommended. During exercise or in hot climates, studies show that cool water at 10-16°C optimizes hydration and regulates body temperature.
According to nutritionist Mai Thi Thuy, if you enjoy cold drinks, here are some tips:
Avoid drinking it during meals: Wait at least 30 minutes after eating.
Drink slowly, in small sips: Instead of gulping down a large glass at once, this will help your body gradually adapt to the temperature change.
Protect your teeth: Use a straw to limit direct contact of cold water with tooth enamel.
Monitor your body's signals: Severe stomach pain, bloating, or recurring toothaches after drinking cold beverages indicate you need to adjust the temperature of your drinks.