2 Major Side Effects Of Hot Water – Think Before You Drink

The side effects of drinking hot water may make you think twice about using it. Water is a necessity to prevent dehydration and related health issues. You can drink chilled or warm water as an alternative to room temperature water.

Unfortunately, drinking hot water does not appear to be very beneficial from a scientific standpoint. It can lead to serious health issues.

This article explains why drinking hot water may be harmful and how to avoid it. Read on.

Know The Flip Side: Hot Water

Short-Term Effects
May result in injury of the inner lining of the mouth.

Long-Term Effects
May cause laryngopharynx edema and damage to the skin tissue.

Drug Interactions
None.

When To See A Doctor
If you experience third-degree burns from coming in contact with hot water, or if you experience difficulty in swallowing and sores in your mouth.

What Are The Side Effects Of Drinking Hot Water?

You must have heard that there are several benefits of drinking hot water, such as better bowel movements, relief for a sore throat, weight loss, etc. While they can be true to an extent, this practice comes with some side effects too. Read on to know them.

1. Hot Water Can Scald

Drinking hot water can cause internal scalding. Barbara Kovalenko, Nutrition Consultant, says, “Consuming hot liquids, including hot water, can potentially cause injury to the internal linings of the mouth, throat, and esophagus, especially if the water is excessively hot. It is recommended to drink hot water at a temperature that is comfortable to the touch and not scalding.”

In one case, a 61-year-old man who drank hot water (estimated at 90o C) experienced laryngopharynx edema. This blocked a part of his respiratory tract, and his breathing deteriorated (1).

Laryngeal burning injuries can occur with the consumption of excessive hot foods, including hot water. The corresponding edema peaks within 6 to 24 hours after the injury.

When hot liquids (like hot water) come in contact with the skin, the cells are damaged by the heat, which causes skin irritation. Extreme heat can also cause extensive damage to the tissue (2). In older people, excessively hot water tubs can lower blood pressure, causing dizziness, fainting, or headaches.

If the water is boiling or simmering, it can even cause third-degree burns. These can destroy the entire depth of the skin if the water spills over you. It may cause further damage internally (2).

Quick Tip

Insulated and covered cups are effective at lowering the risk of spilling hot water, and can go a long way in preventing burns.

2. May Have More Contaminants

There is little research on this aspect. But hot tap water might contain contaminants. Hot water systems like boilers or tanks have metallic parts. These can corrode and contaminate the water they contain. Hot water can dissolve these contaminants faster than cold water.

Though using hot water from a water filter could be a safer option, there is risk involved. Hot water dissolves the internal material much faster than cold water. This can cause a stomach upset and other problems in the long run.

Quick Tip

Check the water you use for drinking for biological contamination (bacteria, virus, etc.), especially if you use regular tap water. If it’s contaminated, you should boil it and let it cool before drinking.

What Precautions Should You Take?

• First, do not boil the water. There is no need to do this. You will end up waiting for a long before it cools down, and you can drink it. Boiling can also alter the taste of the water.

• Instead, you can warm water in a pot. Once you see steam coming off the water, you know it is at the right temperature. You can also use a tea kettle for this purpose.

• Keep your skin away from the steam. Hot steam can cause a thermal burn.

• Pour the water into a mug or teacup. Remember to pour the water away, and not towards you. Hold the kettle with a thick towel for added protection.

• Remember not to overfill the mug. The water may overflow and cause burns.

• Wait for the water to cool down a bit before you can drink it.

• Do not use your finger to check the temperature. Your finger can withstand higher temperatures than your mouth. Wait for a while and start with a slow sip.

• If the temperature is bearable, you can continue sipping. If not, wait for a while. Sudden changes in temperature, too hot or too cold, can cause tooth enamel erosion (3).
• When you drink water that is too hot, there is a wide temperature difference between the digestive tract and the stomach. This can irritate the gastric mucosa causing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• You might have observed that you sweat more when you drink hot water, especially during exercise. This can cause an electrolyte imbalance (4).

Infographic: Why You Should Avoid Drinking Hot Water

In spite of its effectiveness as a home remedy, hot water has its own set of challenges. The definition of “hot” is hazy, as the ideal water temperature varies from individual to individual. Your body cannot cope with the resulting consequences should you drink water that is too hot.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about the adverse effects of hot drinking water and what you can do to avoid them.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal temperature for drinking hot water?

The ideal temperature for drinking hot water is around 50-60°C (122-140°F). It is hot enough to be helpful, but not so hot that it will burn you.

Is drinking hot water cause an imbalance of water concentration in the body?

Kovalenko says, “Drinking hot water alone is unlikely to cause an imbalance of water concentration in the body, but excessive fluid intake of any temperature can dilute the electrolyte levels in the body, leading to an imbalance. It is important to maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance by drinking a balanced amount of water and electrolyte-rich fluids.”

Is it okay to drink hot water before bed?

Yes, it is okay to drink hot water before bed. Just ensure it is warm and not scalding hot, or you may otherwise burn your throat.

Can hot water cause pimples?

There is no evidence suggesting that drinking hot or warm water causes pimples. However, showering or washing the face with hot water may strip the skin of its natural oils. This triggers the skin to overproduce sebum, possibly leading to pimples.

Illustration: Major Side Effects Of Hot Water – Think Before You Drink

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Drinking hot water can cause serious side effects, such as burns, dehydration, and even organ damage. Don’t take the risk – watch this video now and learn more!

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Jess WhartonAdvanced Dip Nutrition & HPN

   

Jess Wharton is Registered Nutritionist based in Auckland, New Zealand. She works with clients around the world to help them reach their health and wellness goals. She believes that food is medicine and proper nutrition is healing and essential for well-being and quality of life.

Read full bio of Jess Wharton

• 
  Barbara KovalenkoNutrition Consultant Barbara Kovalenko is a nutritional consultant with 4 years of experience in nutrition and mindful eating coaching. She earned her bachelor's degree in nutrition from Bogomolets National Medical University, Ukraine and master's degree from Boston University, USA.
  
  Barbara Kovalenko is a nutritional consultant with 4 years of experience in nutrition and mindful eating coaching. She earned her bachelor's degree in nutrition from Bogomolets National Medical University, Ukraine and master's degree from Boston University, USA.

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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