Is It Okay To Drink Cold Water In Winter? Expert Tells

In the winter season, our eating and drinking habits shift to more comfort and warmth. A hot beverage feels good, while a cold drink is usually forgotten. However, there are still some people who will want to drink cold water either because that is their habit or they prefer it, and that often makes one think about whether drinking cold water is safe in winter, or if it has any negative health effects. 

We asked our expert, Ms Bharathi Kumar, Nutritionist, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru, the same, and here is what she shared with us.

Why Hydration Still Matters in Winter

During winter, the body’s thirst signals tend to reduce, making people drink less water without realising it. However, dehydration can still occur due to dry air, indoor heating, and reduced fluid intake. Drinking water remains of utmost importance as it maintains digestion, circulation, lubrication of joints, skin health, and boosts overall immunity, which is not season-dependent.

According to Bharathi, water intake is a must to be on the safe side. The issue is not which water to drink (hot, cold, or lukewarm), but what the body’s preferred temperature is during winter.

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Is Drinking Cold Water Bad in Winter?

For the majority of healthy people, drinking cold water in the winter is not a problematic practice. Bharathi said that moderate intake of cold water usually does not lead to severe health concerns because the body can adjust and regulate its internal temperature very well.

However, cold water can sometimes bring about temporary discomfort. “It may lead to throat irritation, coughing, or feeling tightness in the chest, particularly among individuals who get colds easily, have sinus problems, or have sensitive throats,” she cautioned. That is the reason why some people feel uncomfortable or start to cough mildly after drinking very cold water during winter.

Impact of Cold Water on Digestion and Body Temperature

Digestion can be slower with cold water because the body first has to provide extra energy to heat it up, and then the digestion starts. For some people, this may bring on the feeling of fullness, gas, or discomfort in the stomach.

According to Bharathi, “In winter, the body has to put in more effort to keep the inside warm. Sipping on ice-cold water frequently may bring the body temperature down a little bit and also impact blood flow, especially in older persons or those whose immunity is low. One might find increased stiffness or pain due to the cold intake if he/she is suffering from joint pain, arthritis, or respiratory problems.”

Who Should Be More Careful?

Even though cold water is acceptable for many people occasionally, certain groups should still be more cautious. These include

• Senior citizens
• Those with colds, sinus problems or sore throats
• People with arthritis or joint pain
• Asthmatic and other respiratory patients
• Having sensitive digestion

For these people, it might be more beneficial to drink room-temperature or lukewarm water as it would lessen the discomfort and also contribute to their well-being.

What’s the Healthier Choice During the Winter Season?

There is no strict rule that cold water must be completely avoided. “If someone is okay with cold water, does not suffer from any side effects, and does not mind drinking it at times, then it is alright,” shared Bharathi. However, she also noted that drinking warm water in winter is usually more pleasant for the throat, helps with digestion, and ensures intake of water.

Bottomline

Drinking cold water in winter is not dangerous for most healthy people, but it might lead to discomfort among individuals with throat sensitivity, poor digestion, or weak immunity. Thus, listening to your body and choosing lukewarm or room temperature water might be a good way to provide yourself with comfort as well as health benefits during winter days.