Can you drink ice water after exercise?

Generally, you should not drink ice water after exercising.

During physical activity, blood circulates rapidly throughout the body, generating excess heat and often causing accelerated blood circulation, expansion of gastrointestinal blood vessels, and increased metabolism. Because the body loses significant amounts of fluid during exercise, the digestive system is typically suppressed afterward and digestive function is reduced. Drinking ice water immediately after exercise can shock the stomach, causing sudden constriction of pulmonary capillaries, a sharp slowdown in blood circulation, and potentially leading to gastrointestinal spasms, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or even triggering acute gastritis or acute gastroenteritis. If the exercise was intense or prolonged, the heart is usually still working at a high rate and under considerable strain. In such cases, consuming ice water post-exercise may cause sustained capillary contraction, increase peripheral vascular resistance,加重 cardiac workload, impair blood supply to the heart, and raise the risk of sudden cardiac death.

It is recommended to drink an appropriate amount of warm water or light salt water after exercise to help rehydrate the body, prevent excessive fluid loss from sweating, and avoid electrolyte imbalances.