Before I examine the research on any health topic I often ask myself what makes sense to me physiologically. In some cases my background as am exercise scientist, and all the knowledge I have accumulated around this helps me arrive at a point of view or opinion on a given topic. In this case I would say it makes good sense to drink warm water rather than cold water, except in hot weather or after exercise when body temperature may increase. From personal experience it feels like my body goes into temporary minor shock when I drink cold water. It just doesn’t feel right. Anyway enough on my thoughts what does the research say? Well apparently it seems to support what I stated above that in general warm water is preferable unless it’s hot or you’ve just completed an exercise session.

Why is this so?

Well given that I’m living in a part of the world that is getting a little bit chilly this information is very relevant. Drinking water is good for the immune system. Bugs don’t like heat, so what better way to ward them off than to create an environment that they don’t like.

And there’s more…..

Drinking warm water:

• Detoxifies the body, which is enhanced if you add lemon juice to warm water
• Reduces the risk of acne and other skin problems
• Relieves nasal and throat congestion
• Increases blood flow to the tissues to help relieve pain e.g. joint pain
•  Helps keep your hair healthy by energising the nerve ends of haor roots
• Promotes a healthy metabolism
• Contributes to the health of the nervous system
• Is good for your digestion

At the end of the day, like with all good health information it’s up to you to work out what works best for your body. It’s trial error and let’s face it there’s no single recipe for good health