Unusual Side Effects of Drinking Hot Water: What You Need to Know
Scalding temperatures and contaminants can turn a simple sip into serious harm.
Drinking hot water is a common habit in many cultures and is often recommended for its potential to soothe the throat, support digestion, and even assist with weight loss. While warm water can indeed offer some comfort, consuming hot water—especially at high temperatures—carries specific risks. Recent insights suggest that the side effects of hot water drinking can outweigh the benefits if not practiced carefully, from internal burns to long-term organ damage. This article explores the lesser-known and potentially hazardous effects of drinking hot water, backed by scientific observations and practical advice for safe hydration.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Hot Water Can Scald: Short- and Long-Term Dangers
- Risk of Increased Contaminants in Hot Water
- Internal Injuries and Edema
- Risks of Excess Hot Water Consumption
- Electrolyte Imbalance and Cell Swelling
- Kidney Strain and Circulatory Stress
- Additional Risks and Sensitive Groups
- Precautions and Safe Drinking Tips
- When to See a Doctor
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction: Hot Water—A Common Yet Overlooked Risk
For generations, drinking hot water has been regarded as a simple remedy for various ailments, including sore throats and digestive discomfort. Its popularity stems from an age-old belief in its ability to detoxify the body or boost metabolism. However, contrary to common perception, scientific studies suggest that excessively hot water provides no extra nutrients and can introduce significant health risks. Inappropriate use and temperatures can result in both immediate and long-term complications .
Hot Water Can Scald: Short- and Long-Term Dangers
Burns and scalds are the most immediate and obvious risks when drinking hot water.
- Oral and Esophageal Burns: Drinking water above 71°C (160°F) can easily burn the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. These injuries can be minor—like blisters in the mouth—or more severe, causing damage to the sensitive lining all the way down the esophagus .
- Laryngopharynx Edema: In a documented case, a man suffered airway blockage and difficulty breathing after consuming hot water at approximately 90°C, resulting in swelling (edema) in his throat and respiratory tract .
- Third-Degree Burns: Consuming or spilling boiling or nearly boiling water can cause third-degree burns, which destroy the full depth of skin and can lead to serious internal and external injuries .
The extent of burn and its associated risks increases with temperature and duration of exposure. Edema (swelling) from internal burns can peak within 6–24 hours and may compromise breathing, especially in sensitive individuals or older adults .
Risk of Increased Contaminants in Hot Water
It is often overlooked that hot tap water can harbor higher levels of contaminants compared to cold water. This is particularly true in homes with older plumbing or water heating systems:
- Metal Contamination: Hot water tanks, boilers, and pipes tend to corrode over time. Hot water accelerates the dissolution of metals like lead and copper, leading to higher contamination .
- Long-Term Effects: While using a water filter may reduce some risk, hot water can still leach materials from plumbing and storage tanks more rapidly, possibly resulting in digestive issues, stomach upset, or other long-term complications.
Recommendation: Avoid using hot tap water for drinking or food preparation, especially for infants and pregnant women.
Internal Injuries and Laryngopharyngeal Edema
One of the more severe and less understood risks involves injury to the inner lining of the mouth, throat, and esophagus:
What others are reading
- Laryngeal burns can not only impact respiratory function but also predispose individuals to infection and chronic irritation of the airways .
- Edema in the throat after consuming hot water can progress rapidly and may require emergency medical intervention if breathing is impaired.
- Repeated tiny injuries to the lining of the esophagus could contribute to chronic inflammation or scarring in rare, extreme cases.
| Temperature (°C / °F) | Risk Level | Potential Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Below 60°C / 140°F | Low | Minimal risk; warm but not scalding |
| 60°C–71°C / 140°F–160°F | Moderate | Potential for mild burns/irritation |
| Above 71°C / 160°F | High | High risk for burns, scalds, and edema |
Note: Always test water temperature before drinking. If it feels too hot to the touch, allow it to cool.
Risks of Excess Hot Water Consumption
While adequate hydration is crucial for health, drinking excessive amounts of hot water can have unexpected consequences:
- Brain Cell Swelling: Overhydration, especially when drinking large quantities without feeling thirsty, can disrupt the balance of water and electrolytes in brain cells. This may impair concentration and cause headaches .
- Disrupted Sleep Patterns: Drinking extra water before bedtime increases nocturnal urination, resulting in sleep disturbances and fatigue .
Electrolyte Imbalance and Cell Swelling
Electrolytes—minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride—help maintain proper cell function. Consuming too much hot water can dilute the concentration of electrolytes in the blood, leading to:
- Electrolyte Imbalance: As blood electrolytes drop, water migrates into cells to balance osmotic pressure, causing the cells to swell. Brain cell swelling may trigger symptoms such as headaches, confusion, and in extreme cases, neurological damage .
- Pressure on the Brain: Swelling of brain cells increases cranial pressure, which can lead to persistent headaches, irritability, and, rarely, more serious effects.
Maintaining the right balance is vital—drink when you feel genuinely thirsty, not out of habit or compulsion.
Kidney Strain and Circulatory Stress
Contrary to misconceptions, drinking extra hot water does not detoxify the kidneys or make them “cleaner.” Overconsumption puts unnecessary pressure on both the kidneys and the heart:
- Kidney Overload: The kidneys must work harder to eliminate excess liquid, which over time could contribute to their decline in efficiency .
- Increased Blood Volume: Ingesting more water than required increases blood volume. This closed-loop circulatory system places additional strain on heart and blood vessels, contributing to shortness of breath, high blood pressure, or in rare cases, heart complications .
Additional Risks and Sensitive Groups
- Dizziness and Fainting in the Elderly: Hot water baths (and, by extension, drinking very hot water) may lower blood pressure in older adults, causing dizziness or fainting episodes .
- Potential for Tooth Enamel Erosion: Regularly sipping very hot water could erode the protective tooth enamel, especially over long periods .
- Digestive Discomfort in Sensitive Individuals: Those with certain gastrointestinal issues (like GERD) may find that hot water exacerbates symptoms or leads to reflux-like sensations .
It is important to understand that hot water offers no additional nutrients compared to cold or room temperature water; health benefits are primarily due to hydration itself .
Precautions and Safe Drinking Tips
If you prefer drinking hot water, follow these evidence-backed precautions:
- Keep water temperature below 71°C (160°F); ideally, hot water should feel comfortable to sip and never scalding .
- Test water with a small sip or touch before drinking in larger amounts.
- Avoid using hot tap water for consumption due to higher contaminant risks. Use filtered and freshly boiled water that has cooled down to a safe temperature.
- Do not force yourself to drink hot water when not thirsty. Listen to your body’s cues.
- Limit water intake before bedtime to prevent sleep disturbances caused by frequent urination .
- Opt for room temperature or slightly warm water if you have digestive sensitivities or dental concerns.
- Always supervise children and the elderly when serving hot water, as they are more prone to burns and accidents.
When to See a Doctor
- Severe Burns: If you experience third-degree burns from hot water or develop signs of internal scalding, such as difficulty swallowing, severe pain, or blistering in the mouth or throat, seek medical help immediately .
- Persistent Symptoms: Ongoing headaches, confusion, swelling, or breathing problems after drinking hot water warrant prompt medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the safest temperature for drinking hot water?
A: The recommended safe limit is below 71°C (160°F). Water should feel warm and soothing—not painful or scalding.
Q2: Can hot water from the tap be used for drinking?
A: It is best to avoid hot tap water as it may dissolve and carry more contaminants from pipes and water heating systems, including metals and pathogens.
Q3: Are there any groups particularly at risk from drinking hot water?
A: Yes. Children, the elderly, and those with sensitive skin or underlying medical conditions are more vulnerable to burns and related complications.
Q4: Can drinking hot water help with digestion or weight loss?
A: While hot water may feel soothing, scientific evidence for additional digestive or metabolic benefits is lacking. Proper hydration—regardless of water temperature—is what benefits the body.
Q5: What should I do if I have accidentally burned my mouth or throat with hot water?
A: Rinse with cool (not cold) water, avoid irritants, and seek medical attention if there is severe pain, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Key Takeaways
- Drinking hot water at high temperatures can burn the mouth, throat, and internal linings.
- Hot tap water may contain more contaminants than cold, posing additional risks.
- Overconsumption can result in kidney strain, electrolyte imbalance, brain cell swelling, and sleep disruption.
- Practice safe drinking habits—test water temperature, avoid forced overhydration, and see a doctor for severe symptoms.
References
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/unusual-side-effects-of-drinking-hot-water/
- https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/preventive-healthcare/benefits-of-drinking-hot-water
- https://sapuwa.com/en/10-unusual-side-effects-of-drinking-hot-water.html
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673
- https://svalbardi.com/blogs/water/hot-water
- https://www.officeh2o.com/blog/why-you-should-never-drink-water-from-a-warm-plastic-bottle/
- https://pharmanewsonline.com/3-unusual-side-effects-of-drinking-hot-water-too-often/
- https://oncquestlabs.com/blog/benefits-and-risk-of-drinking-hot-water/
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