Warm water or ice water, which is better for the kidneys?
When the weather is hot, a glass of ice water is often an option because it gives a fresh sensation that quickly quenches thirst. However, not a few people are actually more comfortable drinking warm water because it is considered better to maintain body condition, including kidney health. This difference in habits has finally made many people curious, which is actually better for the kidneys, warm water or ice water?
Not a few are also worried that drinking cold water too often can make the kidneys work harder. In fact, kidney health is not only influenced by the temperature of drinking, but also the habit of drinking water every day. So, so you don’t get it wrong, let’s find out the following facts about warm water and ice water for kidney health!
Kidneys need a well-hydrated body
Many people are busy debating which is healthier between warm water and ice water, when the most important thing for the kidneys is that the body still gets enough fluids every day. Without realizing it, the body continues to lose fluids through sweat, urine, and the respiratory process during activities. When fluid needs are not met, the kidneys have to work extra to help maintain fluid balance and remove metabolic waste from the body.
This condition can make urine more concentrated and increase the risk of urinary tract disorders. Therefore, water temperature is not the most important factor as long as the body stays well hydrated every day. Instead of debating warm water or ice water, the habit of drinking water regularly is much more important to maintain kidney health.
Ice water actually doesn’t directly damage the kidneys
There are still many people who believe that drinking ice water too often can make the kidneys quickly damaged. This assumption usually arises because the cold sensation is thought to make the organs work harder than usual. In fact, until now there is no strong evidence that shows cold water directly causes kidney damage in healthy people.
The body will naturally adjust the temperature of the incoming drink before the liquid is used by the organs in the body. Even so, drinks that are too cold can sometimes make some people feel uncomfortable, especially when the body is unhealthy or sensitive to cold temperatures. As long as it is not consumed excessively and the daily fluid intake is still sufficient, ice water is generally still safe for kidney health.
Warm water can help the body feel more comfortable
Some people find it more comfortable to drink warm water, especially when they wake up or when the weather is cold. The warm sensation often makes the body feel more relaxed and the throat feels more comfortable. It’s no wonder that many people make warm water a part of their morning routine.
However, these benefits have more to do with body comfort than direct effects on kidney function. Warm water still helps meet daily fluid needs just like water with normal or cold temperatures. So, choosing warm water can be a good choice if it does make the body feel more comfortable to drink more.
Cold sweet drinks need to be more careful
When the weather is hot, many people prefer sweet cold drinks to regular water because it tastes fresher. In fact, the excess sugar content in drinks such as soda or packaged tea can have a negative impact on health if consumed too often. This habit can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure related to kidney disorders.
Without realizing it, the habit of drinking sugary drinks too often also reduces daily water consumption. In fact, the kidneys need enough fluid so that the process of filtering waste in the body can run properly. That is why, it is not only the temperature of the drink that is important to pay attention to, but also the sugar content and additives in it, while water remains the simplest option to help maintain kidney health
Certain body conditions can affect the choice of water temperature
Not everyone feels comfortable drinking water at the same temperature in every body condition. For example, when they have a cold or a sore throat, many people prefer warm water because it feels more soothing. On the other hand, cold water often feels more refreshing after outdoor activities in hot weather.
Differences in the body’s response to the temperature of the drink are normal because everyone has different needs and comforts. As long as it does not cause the body to feel uncomfortable and daily fluid needs are still met, both can be consumed. Therefore, choosing a warm or cold drink should be adjusted to each person’s activities, body conditions, and daily habits.
Drinking habits are actually more risky for the kidneys
Many people are more focused on discussing which is healthier between warm water and ice water, but still often drink less because they are too busy with activities. The new habit of drinking when the throat feels very dry can make the body slowly become dehydrated without realizing it. If left unchecked, a lack of fluid can make kidney function work harder to help remove metabolic waste from the body.
Simple signs such as darker-colored urine are often a signal that the body needs more fluids. To keep your water needs met, try to make it a habit to bring your own drinking bottle when you are active. In this simple way, the body will be more easily hydrated without having to worry too much about choosing warm water or ice water.
The choice between warm water or ice water comes back to the comfort and needs of each body. As long as the body gets enough fluid intake every day, the kidneys can still work properly to maintain balance. So, instead of worrying too much about the temperature of the drink, it is more important to get used to drinking water regularly so that kidney health is maintained.
