Is Cold Water Bad?

So is cold water Bad? It depends-

No single substance is inherently good or bad. It depends on the context and how it is being used.

Our bodies want to maintain the temperature that they operate optimally at about 98.6 degrees.  

If we regularly drink water which is 40 degrees (average fridge temperature), our bodies will regularly be expending a lot of extra energy to balance out the cold water to bring it up to 98.6 degrees.

Cold constricts and warmth expands.

Within our body, different systems act like channels, flowing and carrying substances to different locations.

Like water: cold makes the molecules compact themselves into solid ice cube and heat makes the molecules separate and expand into steam. 

Similarly, cold creates constriction and the narrowing of all passages in the body.

Consumed regularly, cold substances can cause systemic imbalances related to constriction and lack of flow in the different bodily systems.

Heat on the other hand opens the channels, allowing for regular flow in the bodily systems, including facilitation of regular bowel movements.

Then what about ice cream or cold treats?

Most people will not gulp an ice cream. (Never say never)

Small spoonfuls of ice cream are easier for the body to handle & transform than gulping down a glass of ice water.

For those with good digestion and balanced weight, a good ice cream can be a beautiful treat.

In fact, it may be better than the occasional glass of iced water.

For maintaining good health the Ayurvedic text Ashtangha Hrdayam recommends slowly drinking 2-3 cups of warm water each morning as the sun rises to hydrate optimally. This is done on an empty stomach after scraping off he tongue and brushing the teeth.