Drinking cold water in winter at a moderate level usually does not lead to serious health problems because the body can adjust and balance internal temperature very well.
However, cold water can sometimes cause temporary discomfort. It can lead to throat irritation, cough or chest tightness, especially in people prone to colds, sinus problems, or sensitive throat.
In addition, the digestive process may be slower when drinking cold water because the body must provide more energy to warm the water before the digestive process begins. For some people, this can cause feelings of fullness, bloating or indigestion, and discomfort in the stomach.
At the same time, in winter, the body must work harder to keep warm inside. Regularly drinking cold ice water can reduce body temperature and also affect blood flow, especially in older people or people with weakened immune systems.
Although many people can drink cold water, some groups of people should still be more cautious, especially the following groups:
- Elderly people
- People with colds, sinus problems or sore throat
- People with arthritis or joint pain
- Asthma patients and other respiratory patients
- Has a sensitive digestive system
For these people, drinking water at room temperature or warm water may be more beneficial because it will reduce discomfort and contribute to their health.