When the heat hits and the thermometer reads over thirty degrees, the first thought is often to drink ice-cold water. The feeling is almost magical: a cold sip that goes down your throat refreshes you for a moment and stops the heat wave for at least a few seconds. Does ice water really cool you down effectively – or is it just a momentary illusion?
On summer days, when the temperature rises above thirty degrees and the room is hot and humid, many people drink ice cold water. A cold sip gives feeling refreshed, which can temporarily reduce the feeling of heat exhaustion. But the question of whether such a drink is really effective in lowering body temperature is not so simple.
Many people are convinced that ice water directly helps to cool down organism. In reality, however, the body follows its internal mechanisms heat regulation, which does not depend only on the temperature of the liquid we drink.
What happens when you come into contact with ice cold water?
When you drink ice-cold water, the cold liquid first comes into contact with the mucous membranes in your mouth and throat. There, nerve receptors detect the low temperature and send a signal to your brain. This causes you to feel a pleasant cooling sensation. This sensation is mainly local perception and it doesn't mean that the whole body really cools down.
How does the body react when water reaches the stomach?
When cold liquid reaches the stomach, the body quickly digests it. warms to approximately 37 °C, which is the normal internal temperature. Warming up occurs quickly, as the body constantly maintains temperature balance. The cooling effect is therefore limited to a few minutes and has no long-term impact on your overall body temperature.
If you really wanted to noticeably lower your temperature by drinking cold liquids, you should drink large amounts of water, which is not recommended and may cause stomach discomfort.
Does ice-cold water affect sweating?
Cold drink can for a short time It slightly reduces the feeling of thirst and slows down sweating. However, when the temperature of the consumed liquid equals that of the body, the body reactivates its natural cooling mechanisms, primarily sweating. This process remains the primary way to regulate body heat and cannot be replaced by cold water.
What happens to your body if you drink ice cold water?
For some people, an iced drink can trigger unpleasant feeling in the teeth, mild sore throat or stomach discomfort. People with sensitive throats, digestive tracts or frequent inflammations should avoid very cold drinks. In such cases, it is better to drink liquids at room temperature or slightly chilled.
What is the difference between feeling and actual effect?
The feeling of coolness after a sip is temporary and has no real effect on the body's internal temperature. It is a perception that alleviates the feeling of heat for a few moments, but does not mean that the body is cooled in the long term. After just a few minutes, the feeling of freshness is lost and the organism continues with its normal heat regulation.
What do experts recommend?
The most important thing is to drink fluids regularly in the heat. The temperature of the drink is less important than the amount and frequency of drinking. It is recommended to drink several times a day, stay in the shade or in a ventilated area, wear light, bright clothing, and take a cold or lukewarm shower if necessary.
If ice water brings a feeling of relief, you can drink it without worry, but don't expect it to have a serious effect on your body temperature.
Drinking ice water in the heat not harmful to most healthy people, if you are moderate and watch out for any throat or teeth sensitivity. The cooling effect is based primarily on the sensation in the mouth and throat, not on an actual reduction in body heat.
For effective cooling, it makes more sense to provide adequate shade, hydration, and rest, Ice water should remain a pleasant short-term refreshment.
