Does Drinking Hot Water Help With Digestion? GI Doctors Weigh In

When was the last time you drank water? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to take a sip.

Water is essential for our bodies to function. We need to drink enough H2O daily to stay healthy and hydrated. Water helps regulate our internal temperature, flushes waste out of the body, lubricates the joints, and delivers nutrients to cells.

The average adult needs between 2-2.5 liters of water per day.

Some like it cold, and some like it hot. In fact, many believe drinking water at warmer temperatures helps with digestion, relieves nasal congestion and boosts circulation.

And recently, sipping warm or hot water has been touted as a “health hack” on TikTok for a faster metabolism or clear skin. This practice is not new, though — it’s especially common in parts of Asia.

On the temperature scale, warm water falls anywhere from 90-110 degrees Fahrenheit, and hot water is about 120-140 degrees.

But is drinking hot water actually better for you? It’s a question gastroenterologists get asked very often. Here’s what they say:

Drinking Hot vs. Cold Water

There isn’t enough definitive scientific evidence showing drinking hot water is better as opposed to drinking cold water, Dr. Louise Wang, gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, told TODAY.com previously.

Experts agree that staying hydrated is more important than the temperature of the water you drink.

What’s more, the temperature of the water changes almost immediately after you drink it, Dr. David Leiman, a gastroenterologist at Duke University School of Medicine, explained previously to TODAY.com.

Hot water does not stay hot for long in the body. You may feel a warming sensation after drinking it, but hot water cools down quickly once it enters the esophagus, said Leiman.

Soon after, the ingested water will normalize to match the body’s internal temperature, 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

As a result, this makes it difficult to study the health impacts of drinking water temperatures. Research is limited, and any effects are likely temporary, Dr. Victor Chedid, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic, previously told TODAY.com.

Benefits of Drinking Hot Water

Many of the claims about the benefits of drinking hot water are anecdotal, the experts noted.

“Certainly, some people feel like drinking warmer water could be more soothing,” Wang said. The warming sensation in the throat may relieve soreness, for example, and the steam could temporarily help with congestion.

Drinking hot water may feel more nourishing, especially on an empty stomach, Wang added.

Is Hot Water Better For Digestion?

There isn’t a definitive consensus about the effects of hot water on digestion, said Leiman.

Some small studies suggest a link between water temperature and gastric motility, or how fast food moves through the GI tract. Drinking warm or hot water may help accelerate motility and emptying, but “it’s not entirely clear why,” Leiman added.

People may find hot water helps relax their digestive tract, which could make it easier to pass bowel movements, but there’s no conclusive evidence that hot water relieves constipation. By the time water reaches the intestines, it’s been at body temperature for minutes to hours, the experts explained.

Some research suggests drinking hot water could help reduce symptoms of dyspepsia, or upper abdominal discomfort caused by indigestion, as opposed to cold water, Leiman added.

Additionally, individuals who have acid reflux may find relief from drinking hot water, but it depends on the person.

Overall, there is not enough evidence to recommend a specific drinking water temperature for gut health, according to Chedid.

Hot Water Risks

Regularly drinking warm or hot water is generally safe.

However, water that’s excessively hot (above 140 degrees Fahrenheit) could burn the inside of the mouth, throat or esophagus, the experts warned.

Small studies have linked drinking scalding hot beverages with an increased risk of certain esophageal cancers, said Wang. “The risk is uncertain at this point, but overall, it’s low,” Leiman added.

Generally, it’s a good idea to avoid extremes on either end of the temperature spectrum.

Should You Drink Hot Water?

Neither hot nor cold water is “healthier,” the experts noted. It all comes down to personal preferences.

If you enjoy drinking hot water and it doesn’t cause discomfort, sip away. But if you prefer colder water, there’s no reason to switch things up.

The bottom line? Hydration is the most important factor for your health.

Hot and cold water are equally as hydrating, Leiman said, so the quantity of water matters more than the temperature.

Choose the water temperature that will help you meet your fluid intake goals — whether that’s hot, cold or room temperature. Sparkling water is also just as hydrating as still.

The average adult should aim to drink 11.5-15.5 cups (2.7–3.7 liters) of total fluids from drinks and food per day, according to the Mayo Clinic. “I’d suggest at least 2 liters of water per day for most individuals,” Wang added.

Your body may need more water depending on the climate, your activity level and underlying health. “Drink enough (water) so that you’re not thirsty and your urine is pale yellow,” Wang said.

If you have concerns or questions about your water intake, talk to a health care provider.