There's no doubt that most folks like to get their day started or ended with a fresh cup of coffee or tea. For some, coffee, tea or even both can be a huge motivator for getting out of bed in the morning (I know I can relate to this) and can play a big part in your daily routine. Personally, I can't get my day going without my boost of caffeine. I'm also not much of a hot tea drinker, but when I feel a cold coming on or I just need to relax after a long day, hot tea can do the trick. There are even some benefits to both of these drinks.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Some studies have claimed that coffee drinkers live longer and that coffee can help protect your liver as well as many other things. Oh, and you can't forget that caffeine will increase your energy level, which might just help you feel happier and productive! Tea also has its benefits: its full of antioxidants, contains less caffeine if you don't want the extra kick of energy and can also help boost your immune system.
Well, did you know that regularly drinking very warm water is an inexpensive and easy way to feel healthy and to take in some of its healing qualities? I know there are many other beneficial ingredients you can drink warm water with like lemon, ginger and honey, but there are many reasons why drinking plain warm water, especially in the morning and evening can be just as good for your health.
This holistic remedy of drinking warm water is one that some people swear by. It's best to drink warm water first thing in the morning or right before bed to achieve the benefits. You also want to make sure the water is not scalding hot, the recommended temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A good tea kettle is a convenient way to warm up water in no time.
Here's a list of reason why drinking plain hot water is good for your health.
1. Cleanses Digestion
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdQvGYuBOzt/?igshid=kz4omqrlswkz
Yes, there's nothing more heavenly and refreshing than a glass of cold water, but one of the health benefits of drinking hot water is that it cleanses digestion and helps flush out toxins. Drinking in the morning will help sooth your digestive tract and make it easier to eliminate waste from the day before.
The hot water can help your body break down and dissolve anything you ate that your body is having a hard time digesting. You can also drink warm water with your meal instead of reaching for that ice cold glass of water. The ice cold water can actually harden the oils in food and cause indigestion. Try it out, your gut will thank you.
2. Weight Loss
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-QZzGVlQhm/?igshid=sosx5klfs4an
Do you have a few extra pounds you want to shed after the holidays? Well, one of the benefits of drinking hot water is that it can help you out with that (dreaded) diet! Try drinking hot water first thing in the morning to help you shed those excess pounds.
The hot water will increase your body temperature, which will increase your metabolism and allow your body to burn more calories. Also, like mentioned above, the hot water will help out your intestines by clearing out any waste and make you feel less bloated.
3. Calms Central Nervous System to Decrease Stress
It's a natural and common thing in life-we all deal with aches, pains or cramps as well as things that make us panic and stress out. Another benefit of drinking hot water is that it can calm and soothe your central nervous system. The water will relax you and give you some pain relief, which might help you feel calmer throughout the day.
Try drinking more warm water throughout the day, especially if you know it's going to be a rough one!
4. Improves Blood Circulation
Taking a warm bath is like spending some time at the spa! It relaxes tense muscles and helps with healthy blood flow and circulation. Drinking warm water can have a similar affect. Try testing it out before bed and when preparing for a restful sleep.
Even better, fill your tub with an aromatherapy bath bomb or essential oils followed by a mug of warm water. You might just have the most peaceful sleep ever!
5. Relieves Nasal Congestion
Tis' the season of nasal congestion and sinus infections. While medicine, Vitamin C and rest can give relief to the pain, hot water does have many benefits when your feeling down. Inhaling the warm vapors can help loosen up clogged mucus and sinuses and can even give some relief to a sinus headache. Another benefit to drinking hot water is that it can warm and soothe a sore throat caused by mucus buildup.
Try out this natural remedy next time you feel a bad cold coming on.
6. Keeps You Hydrated
The benefits of drinking hot water really are not much different than drinking room temperature or cold water. I know it's really hard to do sometimes and the amounts vary for everyone, but it is recommended to get a certain daily dose of water everyday. This is so important, especially when you want to stay hydrated. Try adding warm water to the mix to help you reach your goal for drinking water throughout the day.
It's easy-you can make sure to start your day with a glass of warm water and then end the day with a glass. Getting into that routine can help you reach your target of staying hydrated.
7. Better for Your Teeth
This might be a little surprising, but switching from cold water to warm water is easier on your teeth. Try getting into this habit of drinking warm water every once in awhile. Just make sure the water isn't scalding hot- the best temperature is around 120 degrees. Any extreme temperatures could end up affecting your teeth.
8. Slows Down Aging & Clears Skin
Can it get any better? A huge benefit of drinking plain hot water is that it helps prevent signs of premature aging like wrinkles, dry skin and and dark patches. It can also help clear out clogged skin.
Like mentioned before, cleansing our bodies of toxins is important for keeping a healthy gut and also since toxins accelerate signs of aging. Drinking hot water will help repair damaged skin cells so it becomes smoother making you look fresh and free from any breakouts. Hot water can also help eliminate the root cause of some common skin infections.
Say hello to your natural, youthful glow!
9. Hair Growth & Health
Drinking plain hot water is known to benefit hair growth and health. It will help keep you hair soft and shiny while accelerating the growth of your hair.
Consuming hot water gives energy to the nerve endings in the roots of your hair, which makes them activate and grow. Drinking hot water will also benefit your scalp by keeping it hydrated and moisturized which can fight against a dry scalp or dandruff.
10. Great Post-Workout Drink
After hitting the gym or after a hardcore workout at home, try replacing an energy drink or shake with warm water. It will help replenish vitamins and minerals in your body along with rehydrating your body. And let's face it, warm water is chemical-free and zero calories. Sounds like the perfect post-workout drink to me.
This post was originally published on February 4, 2019.
