During the summer heat, we often turn to cold tea, lemonade, or simply water to cool down. We often add a few ice cubes for good measure.
However, people have come up with a host of myths about these seemingly harmless drinks. For instance, some believe that cold beverages can disrupt digestion and nutrient absorption. Are those 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.” She emphasizes, however, that cold drinks should be consumed wisely, depending on a person’s health condition.
People with certain health conditions should avoid cold drinks
So, what health risks are associated with cold beverages? “It depends on who is drinking them,” noted Natalia Bhuyan, a family physician from Arizona.
If you are prone to heartburn, cold drinks may trigger it. However, the key factor is not so much the temperature as what you are drinking, according to Dr. Bhuyan. Certain beverages — like citrus or tomato juice, coffee, and alcohol — can exacerbate symptoms.
A 1978 study found that when you have a cold or nasal congestion, cold drinks can slow mucus clearance.
Singaporean doctor Samuel Chowdhury says people with migraines or asthma should be particularly cautious with cold beverages, because low temperatures can intensify their symptoms.
Another group who should think twice before gulping cold water or fridge-cold juice are people with achalasia, emphasized Allison Miner, an assistant professor of nutrition at George Mason University. Achalasia is a condition in which damaged nerves impair the esophagus’s ability to move food. Research shows that consuming cold drinks or food can worsen swallowing difficulties and cause chest pain.
Don’t forget common issues like tooth sensitivity and headaches. For people who experience those problems, experts recommend drinking beverages at room temperature or warm.
And what about digestion or nutrient absorption, as mentioned earlier? Researchers say icy water poses no threat to those processes. The temperature of the liquid doesn’t matter for digestion.
Cold drinks can be beneficial
Don’t be too quick to dismiss icy water — it can actually be beneficial. For instance, icy water can help if you’re an athlete or a fitness enthusiast who trains hard, Miner says.
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. Heat exhaustion can show up as dizziness, excessive sweating, a rapid heartbeat, and even fainting.
One of the best ways to prevent and combat heat exhaustion is to drink plenty of water. Water cools the body faster than other beverages.
Moreover, cold drinks are useful in hot weather: we sweat and lose a lot of fluids, and cold drinks help maintain hydration.
“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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