Drinking a cup of hot water might seem like a simple habit, but it’s packed with benefits that can enhance your overall health and well-being. From aiding hydration to naturally detoxifying the body, we spoke with experts who highlighted some of the top benefits of drinking hot water daily. After discovering these surprising perks, you'll start paying more attention to the temperature of your water!
It Helps Prevent Constipation
As water passes through your digestive tract, it softens up stool, which, in turn, helps you avoid constipation.
"The warm water supports hydration, and dehydration is a common cause of constipation," explain The Nutrition Twins®, Tammy Lakatos Shames, RD, CDN, CFT, and Lyssie Lakatos, RD, CDN, CFT, members of our Medical Expert Board. "Water also aids digestion by softening food, making it easier to break down and allowing it to pass through the digestive system more quickly."
It keeps you hydrated.
Your body relies on water to perform essential functions, such as transporting nutrients to cells and supporting proper digestion, so staying hydrated is key.
“When you're dehydrated, it puts stress on your body and weakens your immune system,” explain The Nutrition Twins. “Making a habit of drinking hot water daily can help boost your fluid intake and improve your hydration status. While any liquid you consume, along with water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, contributes to the Institute of Medicine’s recommended daily intake—about 78 ounces (2.3 liters) for women and 112 ounces (3.3 liters) for men—intentionally increasing your intake of hot drinks can help you meet those goals more easily.”
It naturally detoxifies your body.
Drinking hot water raises your core body temperature, which can trigger the release of toxins through sweating. "Since the skin is the body's largest organ, sweating is an effective way to eliminate a significant amount of toxins," explain The Nutrition Twins.
It can support weight loss.
Whether you drink it hot or cold, staying hydrated can help fill your stomach and reduce hunger cravings, ultimately leading to eating less.
"Additionally, if you're someone who tends to overeat when stressed, sipping warm water can soothe and calm your nerves," add The Nutrition Twins. "Proper hydration also allows your body to function more efficiently, and a well-hydrated body with an optimal metabolism will have an easier time maintaining a healthy weight."
You can lower your disease risk.
When paired with tea or coffee, hot water offers even greater benefits.
"Drinking coffee has been associated with a longer lifespan and may help prevent Parkinson's disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and liver disease," explain The Nutrition Twins. "Tea is packed with antioxidants and has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, stroke, and liver disease."
It fights bloating.
Consuming too much sugar or salt can lead to fluid retention and bloating.
"While it may sound counterintuitive, drinking hot water (or any water) helps flush out the excess salt or sugar causing the bloating," explain The Nutrition Twins. "This process helps eliminate the extra fluid being retained and restores your body’s proper fluid balance."