This article explains why drinking hot water may be harmful and how to avoid it. Read on.
What Are The Side Effects Of Drinking Hot Water?
1. Hot Water Can Scald
Drinking hot water can cause internal scalding. In one case, a 61-year-old man who drank hot water (estimated at 90o C) experienced laryngopharynx edema. This blocked a part of his respiratory tract, and his breathing deteriorated (1). Laryngeal burning injuries can occur with the consumption of excessive hot foods, including hot water. The corresponding edema peaks within 6 to 24 hours after the injury. When hot liquids (like hot water) come in contact with the skin, the cells are damaged by the heat. Extreme heat can also cause extensive damage to the tissue (2). If the water is boiling or simmering, it can even cause third-degree burns. These can destroy the entire depth of the skin if the water spills over you. It may cause further damage internally (2).
2. May Have More Contaminants
There is little research on this aspect. But hot tap water might contain contaminants. Hot water systems like boilers or tanks have metallic parts. These can corrode and contaminate the water they contain. Hot water can dissolve these contaminants faster than cold water. Though using hot water from a water filter could be a safer option, there is risk involved. Hot water dissolves the internal material much faster than cold water. This can cause problems in the long run. Drinking hot water can cause unexpected harm – all of which is physical. If you have the habit of drinking hot water, you must take proper care.
What Precautions Should You Take?
First, do not boil the water. There is no need to do this. You will end up waiting for long before it cools down and you can drink it. Boiling can also alter the taste of the water.
Instead, you can warm water in a pot. Once you see steam coming off the water, you know it is at the right temperature. You can also use a tea kettle for this purpose.
Keep your skin away from the steam. Hot steam can cause a thermal burn.
Pour the water into a mug or teacup. Remember to pour the water away, and not towards you. Hold the kettle with a thick towel for added protection.
Remember not to overfill the mug. The water may overflow and cause burns.
Wait for the water to cool down a bit before you can drink it.
Do not use your finger to check the temperature. Your finger can withstand higher temperatures than your mouth. Wait for a while and start with a slow sip.
If the temperature is bearable, you can continue sipping. If not, wait for a while.
Is it okay to drink hot water before bed? Check out the infographic below to learn more about the adverse effects of hot drinking water and what you can do to avoid them. Yes, it is okay to drink hot water before bed. Just ensure it is warm and not scalding hot, or you may otherwise burn your throat. Can hot water cause pimples? There is no evidence suggesting that drinking hot or warm water causes pimples. However, showering or washing the face with hot water may strip the skin of its natural oils. This triggers the skin to overproduce sebum, possibly leading to pimples.
