Medicinal traditions vary throughout the world: there are hundreds of thousands of pieces of knowledge associated with this practice, which are based on very different methods – and even conceptions of the world. However, sometimes something as simple as the habit of drinking warm water can be a universal remedy.
Both traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine recommend drinking warm water for its many benefits. And not only on an empty stomach, but throughout the day.
It is not a miracle remedy. Drinking lukewarm is something we should do to prevent our blood vessels from compressing, which makes digestion and hydration difficult, and that is precisely what happens when we drink cold water. This, according to a study published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research.
In addition, cold water wears out the body, which has to regulate temperature after ingestion, and creates excess mucus that can interrupt the functions of the immune system.
So drinking warm – not hot – water, whether on an empty stomach or during the day, is not only a good habit for the reasons that we will explain below, but because it will help you avoid cold water. It is not a miracle remedy but simply a good habit – and traditional medicines and their practitioners know this.
15 universal benefits of drinking warm water
1. Speed up metabolism
During the night, the metabolism slows down to promote rest. When you wake up, drinking warm water helps reactivate it more quickly, which helps it accelerate for longer and stay that way throughout the day.
2. Reduces toxins
The body’s endocrine system is activated by warm water – which is the process that makes us sweat – which helps us release toxins.
3. Cleans the digestive tract
Cold water promotes fat deposits to solidify, while warm water helps them dissolve, keeping the digestive tract clean.
4. Purifies the blood
Toxins circulate through the blood. Therefore, according to Ayurvedic medicine, water should be drunk warm and in copper containers to have a purifying effect. There are no scientific studies on this, but it is known that copper purifies the blood, which is why there is a wide range of containers made of this metal.
5. Moisturizes
Contrary to what it may seem, warm water also hydrates, it’s just not as “refreshing” as cold or cold water. In addition, taking it on an empty stomach helps you reach the daily goal you need in terms of water consumption.
6. Improves circulation
Warm water breaks down buildups of all kinds in the arteries, thus improving blood circulation.
7. Helps avoid constipation
Stomach constipation usually occurs due to lack of water in the body. Drinking warm water helps hydrate the body from the first hour, which will prevent constipation.
8. Facilitates evacuation
Since it promotes bowel movement, it can promote evacuation within a few minutes of drinking water in the morning. Evacuating first thing in the morning is best, as other body activities throughout the day can make this important daily task difficult.
9. It can promote weight loss
Drinking warm water on an empty stomach and with lemon is not a miracle remedy, but it can contribute to weight loss, since it provides a feeling of satiety that leads to consuming less food in the morning. In addition, as we already said, it activates the metabolism, which slows down during the night.
10. Stops premature aging
Premature aging is due to the presence of toxins in the body, but warm water can help cleanse the body of those toxins, while repairing skin cells to increase elasticity.
11. Eliminates acne
Thanks to its detox effect, warm water helps to improve the appearance of the skin and eliminate acne and blackheads caused by toxins trapped in the pores, as well as excess oil.
12. Keeps hair strong and healthy
The scalp is part of the skin – our largest organ – and is where branches of blood vessels form. Keeping the body hydrated helps this part of the skin and these blood vessels stay healthy and grow strong, dandruff-free hair.
13. Relieves pain
It can be an aid in relieving pain caused by menstruation or headaches, as it relaxes the muscles and, as we already said, also allows better circulation.
14. Relaxes the body
By promoting better functioning of the body and giving us a moment of relaxation when consuming it, warm water helps calm the nervous system, which can save us a lot of stress throughout the day.
15. Promotes a better mood
For medicine, drinking hot water relaxes and activates chi, vital energy. In its own way, science has proven it: according to a study published in Science, experiencing something physically warm helps promote interpersonal warmth that has a great influence on mood, making us more generous.