Anything that promises to ease an upset stomach will galvanize the internet into trying it immediately. But like many things TikTok, what some believe is a newly discovered trend is actually something that many cultures have integrated into their routines for centuries. At a time when Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has never been more popular, one TCM practice the internet can’t stop raving about is sipping hot water.
Here, the experts break down why you should consider ditching ice and drinking warm water instead.
The Benefits
Pasu Harisadee, CM.D., traditional Chinese medicine educator at RAKxa Integrative Wellness, says that sipping warm water is considered a longevity habit in TCM that helps the digestive system and balances our energy’s flow. Warm water, she explains, is the “fuel” to the digestive fire and can help the body break down nutrients. “Heat is a vasodilator,” says Harisadee. “Drinking warm water helps relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and encourages the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood.”
“We can think of this digestive fire as a metaphor for our stomach and spleen, the organs responsible for digestion in TCM. They thrive on warmth, which allows food to be properly broken down, nutrients to be absorbed, and healthy, strong Qi to circulate throughout the body,” adds Saher Hussaini, licensed acupuncturist and herbalist and founder of Set Your Intention Acupuncture. “In contrast, iced cold water weakens our digestive functioning by forcing the body to expend additional energy to warm the contents of the stomach before digestion can even begin. Over time, this can lead to symptoms of bloating, sluggish digestion, and that pesky feeling of post-meal fatigue.”
From a Western medicine perspective, Zulia Frost, MD, co-founder and Clinical Director of Recharge Health, says that drinking warm water promotes a “rest and digest” signal to the nervous system. It may also support digestion, reduce bloating, and help stimulate bowel movement. Though she says that studies may be limited in warm water’s effects on our metabolism and that benefits are mostly indirect, it can support many things. Some of the most common benefits of drinking warm water include:
Boost Gut Health
“Warmth helps the body metabolize fluids more efficiently,” says Harisadee. “[It can] help the body expel excess dampness and cold that causes sluggish digestion (and can keep the internal flow clear and light).” Dr. Frost adds that warm liquids can help relax our gastrointestinal tract to support pushing food through our digestive system and encourage slower and more mindful drinking and eating.
Flush Out Toxins
Harisadee explains that the stomach’s energy is supposed to move downward to eliminate waste products in our bodies, and warm water helps the body do that more efficiently.
Ease Abdominal Pain
Because warm water helps move waste products more easily, Harisadee says that drinking warm water can help with abdominal pain, such as period cramps, bloating, and any other forms of discomfort. Dr. Fros
Add Needed Hydration
If you’re struggling to drink enough water throughout the day, drinking warm water may be the answer. Dr. Frost says that many people find that they hydrate better when drinking warm fluids.
Calm Digestive and Mental Stress
Because warm water promotes a parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous system, Dr. Frost says that warm water can help support relaxation and reduce stress-related digestive issues. She says it can also give you respiratory comfort should you feel congested and have a calming ritual effect.
The Downsides
Downsides are minimal, but there are a couple of things you should take note of. Dr. Frost says that sipping very hot water outside of meals may release gastric juice prematurely, which could possibly cause digestive issues for those who are already dealing with a sensitive gut.
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