An icy shower forces the body to compensate for the sudden drop in temperature to regain 36.5 degrees Celsius, which, on average, corresponds to our body to meet its physiological needs.
And this process, which involves spending energy, is accompanied by a greater sensation of heat . In other words, far from refreshing us, it suffocates us . In fact, before taking this drastic measure, experts such as Australian neuroscientist Robin McAllen, from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, recommend drinking a cup of hot tea on the worst days of the heatwave . Because a steaming concoction stimulates sweating, the best mechanism in the human body to cool itself.
And if you want to lose weight, a low temperature dive can also be your ally , since it has been proven to activate brown fat or good fat, the one in charge of burning calories to generate heat.
So cold water yes or no?
Drinking water is important because it helps us support almost all of our bodily functions, from digestion to eliminating waste and even maintaining body temperature.
A small study conducted in 2013 and published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine investigated the effects of water at different temperatures in six people who exercised shortly after becoming dehydrated. From this experiment, the researchers were able to conclude that for people who need rehydration, water at 16 ° C may be the best option.
Benefits of drinking cold water
Some studies suggest that drinking cold water during exercise can improve a person’s performance and endurance.
For example, a 2012 study involving 45 physically fit men found that drinking cold water during exercise significantly reduced the rise in core body temperature compared to room temperature water.
A 2014 study investigated the effects of different beverages on the cycling performance of 12 male athletes trained in a tropical climate.
The researchers concluded that drinking a slush drink with ice was better for performance than drinking water at a neutral temperature. However, they also commented that the athletes achieved the best performance by consuming an iced menthol-scented beverage.
Drink water
In the end, however, there is simply not enough scientific evidence to suggest that drinking cold water can be harmful to the body . In some cases it could happen if you have a condition , but otherwise your body temperature is also weather dependent, cold water being perfect for warmer weather and vice versa. The important thing is that you have to drink enough water to stay hydrated.
We all need to make sure we get enough water every day, regardless of the temperature. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine advise that women need about 2.7 liters of water per day to meet their hydration needs and men about 3.7 liters. This intake can come from both food and drink.
