You’re Probably Drinking Water at the Wrong Temperature

Turns out, it’s not just how much water you drink that matters—it’s how you drink it. According to Upworthy, health experts are highlighting something surprisingly overlooked: water temperature can dramatically affect digestion, performance, and even how your body handles stress.

Room-temperature water—about 68°F—is the best choice for digestion and daily hydration. It’s widely recommended by wellness experts and traditional practices like Japanese water therapy and Chinese medicine. As Dr. Jill Blakeway explains, cold water may “congeal the fats in food” and slow digestion. By contrast, room-temp water is easier for the body to absorb and kinder to sensitive stomachs.

But if you’re mid-run or sweating it out in the sun, cold water has its perks. Drinking water straight from the fridge (41°F) or tap (60°F) helps cool the body faster and can even give your metabolism a mild boost. Dr. Brian Weiner notes that cold water activates a reflex that reduces sweating, which can enhance physical performance and prevent overheating.

Feeling under the weather? Go hot. Water between 130°F and 160°F soothes sore throats, clears congestion, and relaxes muscles—like a warm blanket for your insides. A 2008 study found that hot drinks provided rapid, lasting relief from cold symptoms.

However, there are times to avoid extreme temps. Cold water can trigger migraines or worsen certain esophageal conditions. And on a sweltering day, warm water might reduce your thirst response, which could be risky.

Hydration is essential—but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Matching your water temperature to your body’s needs is a simple, natural way to feel better every day.

So why not start with one small change? Try swapping that icy gulp for a warm morning ritual or cool post-run refresh. It’s a body-friendly habit that aligns perfectly with a lifestyle rooted in balance, compassion, and natural wellness.

Sign These Petitions! 

Please sign our latest and most urgent petitions to help the planet. Every signature counts!

• Petition: Urgent Call to Stop the Slaughter of Stray Dogs in Turkey
• Petition: Stop the Mass Killing of Dingoes in Victoria Before It’s Too Late
• Petition: Urge Disney to Retire Dolphins to a Sanctuary, Not Another Theme Park

Related Content:

•  Chia Seed Water Gains Popularity for Digestion Benefits, Is it Actually Good?
•  15 Mouthwatering Vegan Oatmeal Cookie Recipes You’ll Love!
•  15 Mouthwatering Plant-Based Recipes That Will Make Your Next Picnic Unforgettable!
•  Petition: Demand the EPA Act Now to Remove Microplastics from Our Drinking Water
•  Trump Escalates Tariff Threats Over Water Dispute With Mexico

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Stand against fast fashion Pollution by supporting circular brands like Tiny Rescue, which create cause-based collections using recycled, zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade, ensuring it never ends up in a landfill.
• Shop Sustainably for Your Home: Visit SustaiNOBLE.org, an eco-friendly and ethically sourced home decor store that will empower your home with luxurious fair-trade, and sustainable products made by global artisans. 
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!