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1000+ verified doctorswhat is the benefits of drinking hot water - #38904
I am trying to figure out what is the benefits of drinking hot water because I've heard so many conflicting things lately! Last week, my friend mentioned how she started drinking hot water in the mornings, and she claims it helps her digestion a ton. I thought, hmmm, could it really be that good? Like, I often have stomach issues, bloating and just feel heavy after meals, ya know? On top of that, I've read somewhere that drinking hot water can promote weight loss and cleanse toxins or something like that? I wonder if I should really give this a go. Just yesterday, I tried sipping on hot water instead of my usual iced tea in the afternoon, and felt a bit... different? Not sure if it was real or just in my head! What I'm really curious about, though, is the science behind this stuff. What is the benefits of drinking hot water that I should know? Is it just a trendy thing, or does it actually help with detoxing or suppressing appetite? Like, is there any good research on this? I would love to hear thoughts from people who have tried it long-term! Help!
Doctors' responses
The benefits of drinking hot water are largely rooted in both Ayurvedic traditions and some scientific observations, though the science isn’t always as robust as we might like. In Ayurveda, hot water is considered an excellent tool for balancing digestion, known as ‘Agni,’ or the digestive fire. Sipping warm water, especially in the morning, can help kindle Agni, easing digestion, reducing heaviness and alleviating bloating you’ve been experiencing after meals.
The warmth of the water can assist in hydrating your body more effectively than cold water, promoting better circulation and helping in the removal of toxins, which in Ayurveda is known as ‘Ama,’ the toxic waste material in our bodies. This cleansing effect may lead to you feeling a bit lighter and clearer, as you’ve indicated you felt with your first trial.
On weight management and detoxification, hot water might aid in metabolism stimulation—aiding, albeit minimally, in burning calories. It also can potentially help suppress appetite, though these effects are often subtle and vary considerably person to person. Its diupauretic effects might help you with gentle flushing of the system, but it should not be relied upon solely for weight loss—rather, it’s better seen a complementary practice.
Now, while Ayurveda places importance in these practices, it’s imperative to balance it with your overall diet and lifestyle for real impact. Hot water shouldn’t make you uncomfortable or too warm, especially if you live in a hot climate or have a pitta-dominant dosha as it could exacerbate heat-related symptoms. Always listen to your body, ensuring you’re not overdoing it.
Your instinct to explore is good, and perhaps start slowly, replacing cold beverages with warm or seasonal herbal teas based on your dosha, can offer similar benefits with variety. And, while it’s not dramatically revolutionary, long-term practitioners might notice faster digestion, less bloating, and a better feeling of internal ‘cleanliness’.
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