A new wellness movement sweeping social media platforms has declared cold water out of fashion, with health enthusiasts instead embracing the practice of sipping hot water throughout the day. This viral trend, which draws inspiration from traditional Chinese wellness habits, has gained remarkable traction online, particularly on TikTok, where participants share their experiences and recommendations.
The Social Media Phenomenon
Across various social media channels, particularly TikTok, users are enthusiastically documenting their adoption of hot water consumption as part of their daily routines. Many recommend starting the day with hot water, herbal teas, or bone broth for breakfast to optimise health outcomes. Followers of the trend passionately share success stories, claiming benefits including improved digestion, weight loss, and effective toxin removal from their bodies.
Expert Analysis of the Trend
Health professionals have now provided their professional assessment of this popular movement, clarifying which purported benefits hold scientific merit. Kristen Carli, a registered dietitian based in Arizona, explained to the Daily Mail that while drinking water remains crucial for bodily functions regardless of temperature, warm water might offer specific digestive advantages.
'From a nutritional standpoint, there may be some benefits to drinking warm water. Not only can it be comforting, but it can also be helpful to move digestion along as well as hydrating,' Carli stated. However, she emphasised that certain rumoured benefits, such as boosting immunity or detoxifying the body, lack scientific evidence to support these claims.
Historical Context and Circulation Benefits
Nicolle Cucco, a certified dietitian and nutrition expert at Muscle Booster, highlighted that while social media users might be discovering this practice for the first time, the concept actually dates back centuries. 'Most people on social media may be seeing the trend for the first time, however the concept has actually been around for centuries, and is even a staple of traditional Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda in India,' she told the Daily Mail.
Cucco elaborated on the circulatory benefits, explaining that drinking hot water can support the body's circulatory system by reducing muscular tension and helping dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow. 'By warming the body and better promoting circulation, this can simultaneously aid the nervous system,' the dietitian added.
Digestive System Support
The practice shows particular promise for digestive health, according to experts. Cucco noted that hot water aids in relaxing the gut, gastrointestinal tract, and stomach muscles. 'This can help reduce symptoms such as constipation, and is likely one of the main reasons people trying the trend are choosing to do so in the morning,' she shared.
Dr Snehal Smart further explained to the Daily Mail that beginning the morning with warm water helps rehydrate the body after a night of sleep with minimal hydration. 'Warm water is easier on the stomach than cold water,' the expert confirmed, while acknowledging that no scientific research definitively proves warm water superior to cold water overall.
Practical Recommendations and Temperature Guidelines
For those considering adopting this practice, experts generally recommend drinking water heated to between 130 and 160°F. Temperatures exceeding this range can potentially cause burns to the mouth and throat. Water remains essential for regulating nearly every bodily function, including digestion, waste removal, joint support, and cushioning bones according to UVA Health.
Complementary Herbal Tea Benefits
The trend often extends to herbal teas, which Harvard Health Publishing confirms offer significant health benefits. These beverages, made from tisanes—blends or infusions of dried fruits, flowers, spices, or herbs in water—provide various advantages. Experts particularly recommend:
- Hibiscus tea for immune support
- Chamomile for relaxation properties
- Ginger tea to combat inflammation
Dr Smart listed additional potential benefits of warm water consumption, including soothing dry sore throats, using steam to alleviate nasal congestion, relieving constipation, and promoting relaxation before bedtime. While the viral trend has brought renewed attention to this ancient practice, experts agree that maintaining proper hydration remains the fundamental priority, with temperature preferences offering supplementary rather than transformative health advantages.
