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"Don’t consume warm water when your stomach is empty," comments influencer Krystal in a popular video to her 265K followers, before humorously adding the punchline, "unless you’re looking to flush out toxins from your body".
She then discusses how this routine transformed her mornings. "I began drinking it and noticed I feel much warmer, my face isn’t swollen anymore, and my skin is radiant. " The video quickly gained popularity online, with many commenters expressing their intention to adopt the routine too. In a digital world already fixated on lemon water for immunity, prebiotic drinks for digestion, and the so-called "sleepy girl mocktail" for improved sleep, the latest wellness drink gaining attention in the West is surprisingly straightforward: warm water. However, while social media treats this as a new trend, it is far from unfamiliar in much of Asia.
For many years, traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda have advised drinking warm water, especially in the morning. The reasoning is straightforward: warmth is thought to help activate the digestive system and keep bodily functions running smoothly. According to Debjani Gupta, a functional nutritionist and the founder of Wellness For All, this practice has long been linked to gut health. "Water offers numerous benefits. It aids in eliminating toxins from the body and supports digestion," she says. "In Ayurveda, it is said to ignite the digestive fire, which is why drinking a glass of warm water first thing in the morning or before meals can be advantageous. " Nonetheless, Gupta emphasizes that the water temperature is important. "We don’t want scalding hot water since that could harm internal organs. It should always be warm. " In many Indian households, the practice often goes further. Warm water may be enhanced with spices like jeera, ajwain, methi, or dhania seeds, each thought to contribute differently to digestion and gut health.
"You can soak jeera overnight or boil spices in water and let it cool to a warm temperature. Each of these ingredients serves a distinct purpose in assisting the gut, and together they can provide numerous health advantages," Gupta explains. Health specialists suggest there is some sense in starting the day with water. After several hours of sleep, the body often wakes up somewhat dehydrated. Drinking fluids helps rehydrate and reactivates the digestive system. "When you rise in the morning, digestion has slowed overnight," gastroenterologists often say. Consuming food or drinks in the morning signals the digestive system to start functioning again, initiating contractions in the stomach and intestines that move food, gas, and waste through the system. That’s one reason many individuals report feeling less bloated or more at ease after their morning glass of water. Gupta adds that warm water might also alleviate digestive discomfort. "If someone feels heavy or bloated after eating, a glass of warm water with crushed ajwain can provide relief fairly quickly," she states.
Beyond helping with digestion, the Internet highlights numerous advantages of warm water, including weight reduction, detoxifying effects, and improved skin clarity. Some of these assertions are exaggerated, according to specialists, but staying hydrated is crucial for good health. Dr. Ridhima Khamesra, a Clinical Dietician, states that consuming warm water can encourage digestive functions that assist in digestion, alleviate bloating, and facilitate smoother bowel movements. Water is essential for many chemical and enzyme reactions that boost metabolism, as well as nutrient uptake and digestion. It slightly impacts smooth muscles but encourages the widening of blood vessels. Additionally, it aids in mucus expulsion, making it helpful during coughs and colds. She emphasizes, “Staying hydrated is very important. I have been stressing this for a long time. Sixty percent of your body is made up of water, and maintaining hydration is vital for all major bodily processes. Drinking warm water in the morning jump-starts your metabolism and replaces fluids lost overnight. ”
In terms of constipation, Gupta notes that this drink may also be beneficial. “Consuming warm water with a teaspoon of ghee in the morning and evening is a traditional remedy to alleviate dryness and assist with constipation. ” Regular intake of fluids can also influence the skin. When the body gets enough hydration, dryness diminishes, making the skin look clearer and healthier. "As your digestive system functions better, you might see skin improvements if warm water becomes a daily habit," Gupta mentions. Even though this trend is popular, scientific studies specifically focusing on warm water are few. Some small-scale research has looked into how temperature impacts digestion. One study involving patients recovering from gallbladder surgery found that those who drank warm water expelled gas more quickly than those who had no drinks, although the effect on bowel movements was not as clear. Other studies suggest that cold beverages may slightly delay stomach emptying compared to warm drinks, but experts point out that the evidence is still limited.
In practical terms, what truly counts may simply be the action of consuming water. Staying hydrated softens stool, enhances circulation, and supports normal bodily functions. Beginning the day with a glass of water, no matter the temperature, can make individuals feel better simply because it replenishes fluids after sleeping. Sometimes, warm water can actually be more soothing than cold. When dealing with colds or a sore throat, warm liquids can alleviate throat discomfort and break down mucus. In colder areas or during winter, many people find it easier to regularly drink warm beverages. "Incorporating warm water into your daily routine is a great idea," Gupta states. Having warm water throughout the day can still be advantageous, even in hot weather.
What social media labels as a wellness trend is actually an age-old practice that has quietly been part of Asian homes for generations. While science may not validate every viral assertion about detoxifying or rapid weight loss, one thing is clear: drinking water, whether warm or cold, is beneficial for the body.
