Water is essential for overall health, and drinking warm or hot water may have additional benefits, such as aiding digestion, improving circulation, and reducing stress.

Although there is little scientific research on the benefits of drinking hot water, alternative health advocates argue that hot water is an easy way to improve health. In this article, we look at the evidence.

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Drinking a sufficient amount of water of any temperature is essentialTrusted Source for supporting overall wellbeing. It helps to keep the body functioning correctly and prevent dehydration. In addition to the benefits of hydration, proponents suggest that drinking hot water may also provide a range of other health benefits.

Healthier digestion

Not drinking enough fluids can leadTrusted Source to constipation. When a person does not drink enough water, the small intestine absorbs most of the water consumed through food and drinking. This causes dehydration and can make it more difficult to have a bowel movement.

Chronic dehydration can cause corresponding chronic constipation. This constipation can make bowel movements painful and may cause other problems, including hemorrhoids and bloating.

Some evidence suggests that a mug of hot water, and other hot beverages such as tea, can help settle the stomach and encourage the peristaltic process, which may provide constipation relief.

Improved circulation

Hot water is a vasodilator. This term means that it expands blood vessels, which can helpTrusted Source to improve circulation.

Heat therapy is a technique that often uses warm water, such as hot water bottles or warm baths, to improve circulation. Maintaining hydration can also help with blood flow. As such, drinking hot water may help to boost circulation.

Reducing shivering

Shivering often occurs when a person becomes cold. A 2017 study found that consuming warm beverages, such as hot water, can help to effectively warm the body and reduce shivering.

This is due to the body requiring less work to help maintain their body temperature. As such, drinking hot water may be particularly useful for individuals that work or exercise in cold conditions.

Helping with cold symptoms

When a person has a cold, or similar illness, they may experience symptoms such as a sore throat or congestion.

Drinking warm beverages, such as hot water, can help to soothe the throat by lubricating it and reducing inflammation. Additionally, drinking warm fluids can help to loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up phlegm.

Encouraging consumption of coffee and tea

Typically, when people consume tea or coffee, they may add hot water to a tea bag or coffee beans to enjoy the beverage. Both tea and coffee can provide a variety of potential health benefits, such as supporting heart health, preventing diabetes, reducing the risk of certain cancers.

The primary risk of drinking hot water is one of being burned. Water that feels pleasantly warm on the tip of a finger may still burn the tongue or throat. A person should avoid consuming water that is near boiling temperature, and they should always test a small sip before taking a gulp.

Drinking hot water in a covered, insulated cup can reduce the risk of spilling the water and getting burned.

Read on to learn more about hot water burns.

Drinking caffeinated coffee or tea may cause a person to become overcaffeinated or jittery. A person can prevent this by limiting the cups of coffee or tea they consume, or replacing caffeinated drinks with plain hot water.

Drinking hot water will not cure any diseases. However, as long as the water is not scalding, the risks are minimal. At present, there is not much research looking specifically into the potential benefits of drinking hot water. Whether the water is hot or cold, it is important for people to maintain sufficient hydration and drink plenty of water.