Is it better to drink cold water or hot water in the morning?
Dec 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
In general, it is more suitable to drink warm water in the morning, and cold water is not recommended. Warm water aligns better with the body's state upon waking and helps activate bodily functions, whereas cold water may irritate the stomach and intestines, causing discomfort. When drinking water upon waking, it is advisable to keep the water temperature around 30–40°C and limit intake to 200–300 ml to avoid consuming too much water at once. Plain boiled water is the preferred choice.
In general, it is more suitable to drink warm water in the morning, and cold water is not recommended. Warm water aligns well with the body's state upon waking, helping to activate bodily functions, while cold water may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause discomfort.
Drinking warm water in the morning gently hydrates the stomach and intestines, promotes intestinal motility, and aids in eliminating metabolic waste accumulated overnight. It also replenishes fluids lost during sleep, improves blood circulation, and lays a solid foundation for daily activities. In contrast, drinking cold water in the morning may easily trigger constriction of gastrointestinal blood vessels, impair intestinal movement, and lead to abdominal pain or diarrhea—especially in individuals with sensitive digestive systems. Cold water may also exacerbate internal coldness, and doing so over a long period can negatively affect the stability of spleen and stomach functions. Therefore, to maintain health, it is best to choose warm water, but avoid drinking excessively hot water.
When drinking water upon waking, pay attention to keeping the temperature around 30–40°C, with a recommended volume of 200–300ml to avoid consuming too much at once. Plain boiled water is the preferred choice; avoid drinking ice-cold water, strong tea, coffee, or other stimulating beverages on an empty stomach.
