Does Drinking Hot Water Have Any Health Benefits?
The New York Times • • health
Key Points:
- Drinking hot or warm water in the morning is a growing wellness trend inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, believed to aid digestion and reduce bloating.
- Advocates claim hot water can improve skin health, support weight loss, and help "detoxify" the body, though scientific evidence is limited.
- Some studies suggest warm water may help stimulate digestion, such as aiding gas passage after surgery, but effects on bowel movements are inconclusive.
- Research on the impact of drink temperature on stomach emptying is limited and does not clearly link warm water consumption to improved digestive comfort.
- Experts emphasize that while hot water drinking is a longstanding cultural practice, more rigorous scientific studies are needed to confirm its health benefits.
