Consuming cold drinks on a hot day can be refreshing and help keep the body hydrated. However, many people avoid drinking cold beverages due to the widespread belief that they may be harmful to health, causing issues such as coughs, colds, or even narrowing of blood vessels. But how much truth is there to these claims?

Myths and Facts About Drinking Cold Drinks

Cold Drinks Can Worsen Coughs and Colds

You’ve probably heard advice from your parents or caregivers warning against cold drinks when you’re suffering from a cough or cold. It's commonly believed that consuming iced drinks like cold water or ice cream exacerbates symptoms. In reality, your body needs fluids to stay hydrated and help with recovery during a cold or flu.

When you're sick, your body produces thicker, stickier mucus. Research has shown that warm liquids can help thin this mucus, making it easier for the respiratory system to function. As a result, drinking warm beverages can help ease congestion.

However, experts stress that the most important aspect when you’re ill is ensuring adequate fluid intake, regardless of whether the drink is hot or cold. To speed up recovery, it's crucial to rest, eat a balanced diet, and take any prescribed medications.

Cold Drinks Constricts Blood Vessels

One of the most common myths about cold drinks is that they cause blood vessels to constrict (vasoconstriction). However, according to WebMD, drinking cold water does not lead to vasoconstriction in most cases. Vasoconstriction refers to the narrowing of blood vessels in response to certain stimuli. This can be beneficial or harmful depending on the context.

For example, in cold environments, the body naturally constricts blood vessels to conserve heat and protect vital organs. However, drinking cold beverages typically does not have this effect unless the drink is extremely cold. Therefore, drinking a cold drink in normal circumstances is unlikely to have any significant impact on your blood vessels.

Cold Drinks Causes Obesity

It’s a misconception that drinking cold drinks can lead to weight gain. In fact, drinking water—whether cold or warm—does not contribute to weight gain. On the contrary, staying hydrated with water can assist in weight loss efforts. Drinking water before meals has been shown to help curb appetite and boost metabolism, which can contribute to burning more calories and potentially aid in weight loss.

Cold Drinks Increases Blood Pressure

Another myth about cold drinks is that they can raise blood pressure. While it’s true that drinking cold water can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, this effect is not harmful. This response is known as the "pressor" effect, where certain stimuli, such as cold water, lead to a short-term rise in blood pressure.

This temporary increase can actually be helpful in situations where someone is experiencing low blood pressure (hypotension), as it can stabilize the condition until further action is taken. However, this effect is not lasting or dangerous in most healthy individuals.

Cold Drinks Causes Headaches

For some individuals, drinking very cold drinks may trigger a headache, especially those who are prone to migraines. This is sometimes referred to as "brain freeze" or an ice cream headache, which occurs when something cold touches the roof of the mouth and causes a rapid constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the head.

However, it’s important to note that not everyone experiences headaches from drinking cold water, and some studies even suggest that cold compresses can help alleviate migraine pain. The key takeaway here is that individual tolerance to cold drinks varies. If you notice that drinking ice-cold beverages triggers a headache, you may want to reduce your intake or avoid drinking cold beverages altogether.

When is the Right Time to Drink Cold Drinks?

While cold drinks aren’t harmful in moderation, they are especially beneficial when consumed at specific times. Drinking cold water can be refreshing and provide health benefits under the following circumstances:

• After exercise
• Before meals, especially when dieting
• In hot or humid conditions
• When dehydrated
• When fainting is a concern

Studies have shown that the ideal temperature for hydrating after physical activity or in hot conditions is about 15-16º Celsius (59-61ºF). Water that is too cold may cause discomfort, including headaches or digestive issues. It’s also important to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily to stay properly hydrated, or more if you’re particularly active or exposed to heat.

If you have any concerns about your health or hydration habits, consider consulting with a healthcare professional via the Ai Care app, which is available for download from both the App Store and Google Play.

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