Doctors Debunk Hot Water Health Claims: No Magic Bullet for Digestion or Weight Loss
Social media platforms are flooded with videos and posts touting the supposed benefits of drinking hot or warm water. Advocates claim it aids digestion and promotes weight loss, but medical professionals caution that these assertions often lack scientific backing and stem more from cultural traditions than clinical evidence.
Cultural Roots of the Hot Water Trend
The practice of drinking hot water largely originates from Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic traditions, where it is associated with improving chi, the body's energetic force, and aiding digestion through warmth. Dr. Vanessa Buie, a bariatric surgeon at UChicago Medicine, emphasizes the cultural significance, stating, "I appreciate and respect the cultural significance of warm water, and that's where I think a lot of these trends come from." Similarly, Dr. Elizabeth Kazarian, a family and obesity medicine physician, notes that drinking hot water is often part of tea rituals, which can be soothing and stress-relieving, contributing to overall well-being.
Hydration Benefits, But No Digestive Miracle
Doctors agree that drinking water at any temperature is hydrating, which is essential for optimal bodily function, including organ health, joint lubrication, and temperature regulation. Dr. Buie confirms, "Drinking water at the temperature you enjoy is good, and overall, being hydrated is good." However, when it comes to digestion, research shows mixed results. Warm fluids can stimulate the relaxation of sphincters in the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating flow and potentially aiding bowel movements, as explained by Dr. Isaiah Schuster, associate director of gastroenterology at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center. Yet, extreme temperatures may temporarily disrupt gastric motility, with body-temperature drinks being most efficient for digestion.
Weight Loss Claims Lack Evidence
Claims that hot water specifically aids weight loss are unsupported by data. Dr. Kazarian states, "There is currently no data where I can, with a good heart, sit across from a patient and say drinking hot water aids digestion and helps lose weight." While replacing caloric beverages with water can support weight management, this applies equally to cold water. Dr. Buie adds that factors like stress and sleep have a greater impact on digestion than water temperature, debunking the idea of hot water as a metabolic booster.
No Harm, But No Cure-All
Medical experts conclude that drinking hot water is generally safe if it aligns with personal routines and causes no harm. Dr. Schuster notes, "If it's just water and it's not causing any harm, there's really no problem with doing it." However, they caution against expecting major health benefits. Dr. Buie summarizes, "There's no scientific evidence to suggest that hot water uniquely detoxifies, improves digestion, boosts metabolism, or causes weight loss." Ultimately, while hot water may enhance daily rituals and mood, it should not be viewed as a necessary health habit or substitute for evidence-based practices.
