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| Ice-cold water can cause you to pass out, so drink water closer to room temperature. Photo: Freepik |
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We all crave an icy blast on a hot summer day, but hold on a second! While staying hydrated is crucial, gulping down ice-cold water can cause you to pass out. On the other hand, room-temperature water will do just fine to keep the summer days cool.
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Our bodies naturally maintain a temperature of 98.6 °F (37 °C). When we drink anything cold, our bodies go into overdrive, trying to warm it up. It expends energy that can be better spent keeping our bodies cool!
When it's hot outside, our body is already working hard to cool itself off by sweating. When something icy cold is consumed, this process is disrupted.
Now, don't ditch the water bottle completely! Just a little moderation and temperature control can do the trick. Choose cool water, not ice-cold. Ice-cold water constricts blood vessels, making it harder to hydrate our bodies. Take small sips more often. This allows the body to absorb water more slowly, keeping our body hydrated for a long time.
Also, ice-cold water enters the esophagus and stomach, where there are nerves known as the vagus nerves. These nerves can fire up, convey a signal to the brain, and cause a person to pass out or temporarily lose consciousness.
Read More: Right Time to Have Your Last Glass Of Water Of The Day
So, the next time you experience heat exhaustion, consider drinking water closer to room temperature. Your body will definitely thank you for it, and you can feel cooler for longer stretches.
