During the summer heat, we often turn to cold tea, lemonade, or simply water to cool down. Often, we add a few ice cubes for good measure.
However, humanity has concocted a plethora of myths surrounding these seemingly harmless drinks. For instance, some believe that they can disrupt digestion and nutrient absorption. Are such claims exaggerated?
Diana Lindsey-Adler, a registered dietitian and assistant professor of pediatrics at New York Medical College, told Popular Science in an interview, “Cold and icy drinks don’t always deserve their bad reputation.” However, she emphasizes that they should be consumed wisely, depending on one’s health condition.
People with certain health conditions should avoid cold drinks
So, what health risks are associated with consuming them? “It depends on who is drinking them,” noted Natalia Bhuyan, a family physician from Arizona.
If you are prone to heartburn, may trigger it. However, the key factor here is not so much the temperature but what you are drinking, according to Dr. Bhuyan. , certain fruit juices like citrus or tomato, coffee, and alcohol can exacerbate symptoms.
According to a 1978 study, during a cold or nasal congestion, cold drinks can slow down mucus clearance.
As noted by renowned Singaporean doctor Samuel Chowdhury, those suffering from migraines and asthma should be particularly cautious with cold beverages, as low temperatures can intensify their symptoms.
Another group of individuals who should think twice before gulping down cold water and juice from the fridge are those with achalasia, emphasized Allison Miner, an assistant professor of nutrition at George Mason University (USA). Achalasia is a condition where damaged nerves can complicate the esophagus’s ability to move food from one place to another. Consuming cold drinks or food, according to research, can worsen swallowing difficulties and cause chest pain.
Don’t forget about common issues like tooth sensitivity and headaches. For those familiar with these problems, experts recommend getting used to drinks at room temperature or warm.
And what about or nutrient absorption, as mentioned earlier? Researchers assure that icy water poses no threat to these processes. The temperature of the liquid actually doesn’t matter at all.
Cold drinks can be beneficial
Don’t be too quick to dismiss icy water, as it can actually be beneficial. For instance, if you’re an athlete or a fitness enthusiast who trains hard, says Miner.
During physical exertion, the body heats up and sweats, causing the face to flush. If you’re training outdoors on a hot day, there’s a risk of heat exhaustion. This exhaustion can manifest as dizziness, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, and even fainting.
One of the best ways to combat heat exhaustion and prevent it from occurring is to drink plenty of water. In fact, it’s water, not some other beverage, that cools the body the fastest.
Moreover, cold drinks are indispensable in hot weather, as we constantly sweat and lose a lot of fluids, and they help us maintain our hydration balance.
“In the heat, people tend to drink more cold beverages. In winter, warm drinks are more appealing when thirst signals are weaker. Neither option is metabolically superior. The best choice is the one that encourages you to drink enough fluids,” explained Lindsey-Adler.
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