On hot summer days, it’s hardly surprising that many people choose the coldest drink available, but the body – especially the digestive system – doesn’t necessarily respond well to this. Consuming large amounts of overly cold drinks can temporarily slow down the functioning of the stomach and intestines and thus slow digestion; as a result, gas can build up more easily due to the accumulated contents in the digestive tract and their more difficult elimination. This can lead to bloating, tight stomach, or even abdominal cramps.
These symptoms may primarily occur in people with an underlying digestive disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome, but they can also affect otherwise healthy individuals with a more sensitive constitution. “The greater the difference between the temperature of the body and that of the drink consumed, and the larger the amount of ice-cold liquid consumed at one time, the more severe the symptoms may be,” says Dr. Dániel Németh. The specialist at the Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology at Semmelweis University emphasizes that people who are prone to migraines, as well as children and the elderly, should be mindful of drinking cold beverages. Their bodies may be more sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, so even a small amount of a very cold drink can cause unpleasant symptoms.
The adverse effects of icy drinks can extend beyond the digestive system. In some people, irritation of the nerve endings in the throat can trigger headaches or even migraine-like attacks. The best choice is a pleasantly cool drink at around 16 degrees Celsius. This provides a refreshing sensation in hot weather and is less likely to cause digestive problems. In terms of hydration, there is no difference between cold and room-temperature water. Neither hydrates the body better than the other.
While icy liquids can slow down digestion, hot beverages can have the opposite effect: they can stimulate bowel movement, improve blood circulation in the digestive system, thereby supporting digestion. This may also explain why people in many countries with warm climates traditionally drink hot tea with their meals, the expert points out.
It’s also advisable to be careful after playing sports. Although it’s a common belief that a cold drink “shocks” the stomach, this isn’t entirely accurate. After intense exercise, your body temperature is higher, so a very cold drink results in a greater difference in temperature. In such cases, it’s best to wait a few minutes or opt for a less cold drink.
The good news is that these effects are usually only temporary. Once the liquid has warmed up in the stomach, the digestive system gradually returns to normal, meaning that cold drinks alone do not cause long-term damage. So, you don’t have to give up refreshing drinks in the summer heat, but it’s better to choose something cool rather than icy.
Cold drinks and weight loss
Many people believe that drinking cold water promotes weight loss. Dr. Dániel Németh explains that while the body does use some energy to warm the cold liquid to body temperature, this effect is minimal and does not, on its own, result in noticeable weight loss. It is more important to drink the right amount of fluid, as this can make you feel full and reduce the amount of food you eat. However, this is due to the quantity of fluid consumed rather than its temperature.
Eszter Csatári-Földváry
Translation: Judit Dőtsch
Photos by Boglárka Zellei – Semmelweis University; cover/illustration: iStock/Domepitipat
