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When temperatures soar and the air feels heavy, reaching for a drink becomes almost instinctive. But the debate resurfaces every summer: are cold drinks or warm drinks actually better for the body in extreme heat?
Rising Temperatures, Rising Fluid Loss
As the body heats up, it sweats more to regulate its internal temperature. That means fluid loss increases significantly. Health experts recommend drinking at least 1.5 to 2 liters a day during hot weather — ideally spread throughout the day rather than waiting until thirst kicks in. Too little fluid can lead to dizziness, headaches, poor concentration, or circulatory problems.
The Appeal — and Limits — of Ice-Cold Drinks
On scorching days, many instinctively choose ice-cold beverages. They feel refreshing and provide immediate relief. But extremely cold drinks can irritate the stomach, especially when consumed quickly. Sensitive individuals may even experience cramps.
A persistent myth claims the body must expend extra energy to warm cold drinks back to body temperature. In reality, the liquid simply adjusts passively in the digestive tract — no measurable energy expenditure involved.
Do Warm Drinks Cool You Down?
Another popular belief suggests warm drinks help cool the body by increasing sweat production. While warm beverages can indeed stimulate sweating, this doesn’t automatically translate into better cooling. The effect varies widely between individuals and environmental conditions.
Experts agree: neither very hot nor very cold drinks offer a clear physiological advantage.
What Really Matters: The Drink Itself
The key factor isn’t temperature — it’s composition. The best summer thirst quenchers are:
- Water — tap or mineral
- Unsweetened herbal tea
- Fruit infusions
Whether chilled or room temperature is largely a matter of personal comfort.
Drinks to Avoid in the Heat
Not all beverages are equal when temperatures climb:
- Sugary soft drinks High sugar content leads to short-lived hydration and unnecessary calories.
- Alcohol It strains the circulatory system and can mask dehydration.
- Excess caffeine Large amounts may increase fluid loss and stress the body.
Drink enough — that’s the real priority. Whether your glass is frosty or lukewarm matters far less than staying consistently hydrated with healthy, low-sugar options.
- source: heute.at/picture: pixabay.com
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