Drink your water warm or hot

Water is good for health. This is because it supplies our system with ample fluid and moisture, helping our organs to function optimally.

The Medical Director of Mart Life Detox Centre, Prof.  Oladapo Ashiru, says when we drink water at regular intervals throughout the day, and also when we make it a daily habit, we will be helping our body to get rid of poisonous substances that are produced as a result of our metabolic activities.

Experts say it is so easy to become dehydrated when we don’t take in enough water. And one of the ways of knowing how dehydrated you are is through the colour of your urine.

“If your urine is thick and dark, then know that you are dehydrated and you need to drink as much water as possible over a period of time. A healthy urine is light in texture and pale yellow in colour,” says a General Practitioner, Dr. Busola Awobusuyi.

Awobusuyi says when the body is dehydrated, it will lead to the suppression of the immune system. “If the condition persists, it may lead to the damage of the DNA and set off strings of health problems,” the physician warns.

Scientists say the average adult body is made up of over 60 per cent water. That’s why water is very important if the body must function properly.

“Those who don’t take enough water usually find it difficult to have proper metabolism. Their stools can be hard and difficult to pass,” Awobusuyi adds.

Nutritionists say though fruits are very good for the body because they contain fibre, they must be accompanied with plenty of water because fibre needs water if it must benefit the body.

They warn that taking much fruit without balancing it with water can also lead to dehydration, hence the need for regular water intake!

 Awobusuyi says drinking enough water daily can help us to fight fatigue and illnesses, as it improves our circulation and carries nutrients and oxygen to our cells.

She notes that when the body does not get enough water, it can lead to constant tiredness.

“Many people think they are tired because of lack of sleep; but the most common reason for tiredness is lack of water,” she explains.

But then, what should be the temperature of the water we drink if we must get maximum benefits?

Nutritionists say warm/hot water remains the best, especially when taken first thing in the morning and thirty minutes before any meal. There are various benefits to that.

It improves digestion

It’s amazing to hear people say they have not had bowel movement for three days at a go! Obviously, this is unhealthy, as a normal body should get rid of its waste daily. To improve your digestion, therefore, always drink warm water.

Experts say that when you drink a cup of warm or hot water on an empty stomach, it will stimulate the digestive system, helping your body to better digest and eliminate foods. That way, the body gets rid of the waste that would have accumulated in the body.

It detoxifies the body

It’s amazing that many people don’t sweat. Yet, experts say sweat is another way of flushing out toxins from the body. But if you are always drinking cold water, you are not likely to sweat and this isn’t good for health.

When you drink warm water, it acts as a potent body cleanser, as it helps in flushing out harmful toxins through sweat and urine. So, cultivate the habit of taking your water warm.

Prevents premature ageing

In addition to ridding the body of toxins, nutritionists say warm water increases the skin’s elasticity and enhances its ability to self-repair, thereby reducing the signs of premature ageing such as wrinkles, dry skin and dark patches.

Decongests nose and throat

Many people battle runny nose and colds all the year round. Physicians say instead of gulping down medications each time you catch cold, you may help your body by drinking warm water regularly, instead of cold one.

“Drinking hot water is an excellent natural remedy for colds, coughs and a sore throat. It dissolves phlegm and it also helps to remove it from the respiratory tract. As such, it can provide relief from a sore throat, while it also helps in clearing nasal congestion,” Awobusuyi says.

Reduces menstrual cramps

The average woman experiences menstrual cramps before and during their monthly period. Awobusuyi counsels that drinking hot or warm water can aid in reducing menstrual cramps. “The heat of the water has a calming and soothing effect on the abdominal muscles, and this eventually can help to cure those agonising cramps and spasms that attend menstrual flow,” she assures.

Enhances blood circulation

Another important benefit of drinking hot water is that it enhances blood circulation, which is important for proper muscle and nerve activity. In addition, it keeps the nervous system healthy by breaking down the fat deposits around it.

Wellness

And, would you know, drinking hot water may decrease the number of infections that you are exposed to!

Awobusuyi says, “When you boil water, the number of bacterial organisms in it will be reduced, thereby reducing your exposure to opportunistic infections.

“Besides, when you take hot water, it has the added benefits of increasing the circulation to the gastrointestinal tract, while decreasing the amount of mucous in the sinuses, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract

“All these are capable of decreasing the ability for viruses, bad bacteria or fungi to grow or infect the body.”

Improves hair health

Warm water helps maintain hair health, promotes hair growth and prevents dandruff from coming back. Warm water keeps the scalp hydrated and increases root activity, giving you soft and shiny hair.

The bottom line:Try drinking your water as hot as you can tolerate it.

Reference:

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