The connection between tradition and modernity with hot water in your life has a rich history steeped in Ayurveda, Hippocratic medicine, and beyond. Explore the consumption of hot water in the morning under today’s scientific scrutiny.
By Dr Shariq Masoodi
Across cultures and centuries, hot water in the morning has been viewed as a health elixir, detoxifier, and ritualistic cleanser. However, today’s science offers a more nuanced perspective on the practice of drinking hot water in the morning.
Historical Perspectives
Ancient World:
Ayurveda: Hot water plays a key role in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, believed to boost digestion, purify the body, and improve circulation. Practices like “agni-hotra” involve drinking warm spiced water.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Similar to Ayurveda, TCM emphasizes hot water for morning detox and stimulation of organ function. Ginger is often added for additional benefits.
Medieval Europe:
Hippocratic medicine: Influenced by Greek physician Hippocrates, hot water was seen as a cure-all and used for various ailments, including constipation, headaches, and fatigue.
Monasteries: Monks often drank hot water mixed with honey or herbs for both health and religious rituals.
Early Modern Period:
Rise of tea and coffee: Though water remained a staple, the popularity of hot beverages like tea and coffee in Europe and America gradually surpassed plain hot water.
Hydropathic medicine: Emphasizing water cures, proponents like Vincent Priessnitz encouraged drinking hot water in the morning for overall health and vitality.
20th and 21st Centuries:
Science and skepticism: While some scientific studies explore potential benefits like improved circulation, the lack of conclusive evidence has led to skepticism about hot water’s universal merits.
Resurgence of interest: Trends like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine resurgence have revitalized interest in hot water rituals for specific health goals.
Personal preference: Ultimately, the practice of drinking hot water in the morning remains a personal choice, informed by individual traditions, beliefs, and experiences.
Read more: A 1-Litre Bottle Of Water Contains Some 2,40,000 Plastic Fragments: Study
Hot Start or Cool Choice?
The Morning Hot Water Dilemma
Whether or not you should drink hot water in the morning is a bit of a mixed bag. There are some potential benefits, but also some drawbacks to consider. Let’s explore both sides:
Potential benefits:
Hydration: Warm water can be a great way to rehydrate after sleep, especially if you tend to wake up feeling parched.
Digestion: Hot water can stimulate your digestive system and help move things along, potentially alleviating constipation.
Relaxation: The warmth of the water can be soothing and calming, helping you ease into your day.
Blood flow: Some studies suggest that hot water may improve blood circulation, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Drawbacks:
Potential burns: Be careful not to drink water that is too hot, as it can burn your mouth and throat.
Tooth sensitivity: If you have sensitive teeth, hot water may make them ache.
Dehydration paradox: While hot water can initially hydrate, it can also lead to increased sweating and urination, ultimately making you more dehydrated if you don’t replenish fluids throughout the day.
Limited scientific evidence: Many of the claims about the benefits of hot water are anecdotal and lack strong scientific backing.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to drink hot water in the morning is up to you. If you enjoy it and find it beneficial, then go for it! You can add lemon or ginger to your hot water for extra flavor and potential health benefits. Just be sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day, regardless of whether you start with hot water or not.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine. The author Dr Shariq Masoodi is Prof Endocrinology in SKIMS, Srinagar, Kashmir.
Leave a Reply