Can you drink icy water after intense exercise?

Nov 25, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
After exercising, you should not drink ice-cold water. Doing so may easily cause gastrointestinal spasms, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, patients may even vomit with blood streaks. Additionally, avoid taking cold showers after exercise, as pores are open at this time and cold water can allow cold pathogens to enter the body, potentially causing further harm.

After intense exercise, one should not drink ice-cold water to avoid irritating the gastrointestinal tract.

Drinking cold water immediately after vigorous physical activity is not recommended because, post-exercise, blood vessels throughout the body are dilated and blood pressure is elevated. In this state, consuming cold water may severely irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, potentially leading to bleeding. It may also cause gastrointestinal injury, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, heartburn, and even blood streaks in the vomit. Therefore, in daily life, after exercising, it is advisable to drink warm water or a light salt solution to replenish the body's needed fluids and energy.

In addition, apart from avoiding ice-cold drinks, individuals should also refrain from taking cold showers immediately after intense exercise. Since pores are open during this time, a cold shower may allow cold pathogens to enter the body, potentially causing harm to health.

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