Warm water trend gains attention

Drinking warm water has become a popular topic in wellness discussions, especially after a recent gathering where three friends opted for it. This practice, particularly consuming warm water with lemon on an empty stomach in the morning, has seen a rise in interest over the past few years.

Traditional Chinese medicine supports the practice

According to traditional Chinese medicine, warm water can benefit digestion, circulation, and the nervous system. The Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor, recognized by UNESCO as "the oldest and most important work in traditional Chinese medicine," suggests that cold water disrupts the balance of Yin and Yang by weakening Yang, the body's vital energy, while warm water nourishes Yang and helps balance the body's energy.

Personal experiences reinforce the trend

Columnist Daisy Jones reports that adopting the habit of drinking warm water has improved her alertness and focus throughout the day. Traditional Chinese medicine also claims that consuming warm water regularly can enhance hydration, speed up metabolism, relieve constipation, and improve digestion when done before meals.

Potential benefits of warm water

The practice is said to help eliminate toxins through sweating, reduce inflammation, improve circulation by widening blood vessels, increase nutrient absorption, reduce stress and anxiety, relieve muscle pain, and decrease headaches caused by dehydration. It is also believed to help regulate body temperature, clear nasal congestion, increase satiety, reduce the viscosity of fats, and potentially improve fertility and menstrual health.

Caffeinated drinks may interfere

However, replacing warm water with coffee or tea may affect hydration due to the caffeine content in these beverages, which can cause fluid loss. Studies suggest that proper hydration is essential for achieving the benefits of warm water, and adding coffee or tea might hinder these effects. As a result, some recommend simply boiling water and pouring it into a favorite mug to experience the potential advantages.