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Why shouldn't cold drinks be consumed immediately after meals?

Nov 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
It is not advisable to consume cold drinks immediately after meals, as this may lead to gastrointestinal spasms, impair digestion and absorption, stimulate blood vessel constriction, trigger abdominal pain and diarrhea, and reduce nutrient utilization efficiency, thereby exerting multiple adverse effects on gastrointestinal function and overall health. If severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or persistent discomfort occurs after having cold drinks post-meal, prompt medical attention is recommended.

It is not advisable to consume cold drinks immediately after meals, mainly because it may cause gastrointestinal spasms, impair digestion and absorption, stimulate blood vessel constriction, trigger abdominal pain and diarrhea, and reduce nutrient utilization, thereby exerting multiple negative effects on gastrointestinal function and overall health. If severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or persistent discomfort occurs after consuming cold drinks post-meal, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Causes gastrointestinal spasms: After eating, the gastrointestinal tract is actively moving and digesting food. The low temperature of cold drinks can suddenly stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing strong contractions of smooth muscles, leading to stomach cramps and abdominal spasms. This reaction is especially pronounced in individuals with sensitive digestive systems.

2. Impairs digestion and absorption: Low temperatures can inhibit the activity of digestive enzymes and slow down gastrointestinal motility. As a result, food cannot be properly digested and broken down in a timely manner, easily accumulating in the gastrointestinal tract and causing bloating, belching, indigestion, and related issues.

3. Stimulates blood vessel constriction: Cold drinks cause the blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract to constrict, reducing local blood circulation. This leads to insufficient blood supply, impairs secretion of digestive fluids, and weakens the protective capacity of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Long-term exposure may contribute to the development of gastric disorders.

4. Triggers abdominal pain and diarrhea: The cold stimulation can disrupt the balance of intestinal microbiota and accelerate intestinal motility, resulting in gastrointestinal dysfunction, manifesting as abdominal pain and diarrhea. In severe cases, it may even lead to acute gastroenteritis.

5. Reduces nutrient utilization: Suppressed digestive enzyme activity and slowed gastrointestinal motility hinder the absorption of essential nutrients such as proteins and carbohydrates from food, leading to inefficient nutrient utilization and diminished nutritional value of meals.

It is recommended to wait 1–2 hours after a meal before consuming cold drinks, and to opt for milder beverages instead. When drinking cold beverages, avoid gulping large amounts; instead, sip slowly. Regularly limit intake of cold drinks, especially avoiding consumption on an empty stomach or immediately after meals, to protect gastrointestinal health.

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