Here's What Happens When You Drink Hot Water Every Day

Waking up and having a cup of hot coffee or tea is considered routine for many people, but another beverage that is gaining in popularity (and may soon supplant these two dependable standbys) is a piping hot cup of water. Beginning the day with a hot cup of water can have wonderful health benefits for your mind and body. This trend has a celebrity following that includes the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Gisele Bundchen, and even the Queen Bey herself, Beyonce (via Shape Magazine). 

But the hype around this wellness movement to drink your water hot can be traced back to ancient Chinese medicine and Indian culture (via Reader's Digest). In fact, even today, it is common to see people in China carrying thermoses of hot water regardless of if the temperature outdoors is freezing cold or oppressively hot (via TutorMing China Expats & Culture Blog). 

So, what are the benefits of making a cup of hot water part of your breakfast, and what happens when you drink hot water every day? There are a host of advantages that include aiding in digestion, weight loss, detoxification, and improved circulation (via Medical News Today).

One advantage of drinking hot water every day is that it can lower stress. Our bodies need to stay hydrated to function properly, and when we aren't drinking enough water, it places stress on our body's system (via WebMD).

Amanda Carlson, RD, director of performance nutrition at Athletes' Performance, noted, "Cortisol is one of those stress hormones. Staying in a good hydrated status can keep your stress levels down." Healthline explains that because drinking hot water helps the central nervous system, this, in turn, helps calm those feelings of anxiety that cause stress.

Moreover, hot water consumption can aid in weight loss. How? Studies suggest that drinking hot water may speed up your metabolism while assisting in the digestive process by pushing waste out of your intestines. 

And if that isn't reason enough to make drinking hot water part of your daily habits, it also less harsh for your pearly whites. According to Reader's Digest, warm water is more readily absorbed by your teeth and is better for dental fillings that can contract when you drink something too cold.

Additionally, drinking hot water can help rid your body of toxins that cause us to age by raising your internal body temperature, boosting your circulation, and making you sweat away these pollutants. Some hot water drinkers even add lemon for a tasty dose of vitamin C and help boost your immune system (via The Healthy). And Japanese therapies advocate that in order to fully optimize the benefits of drinking your hot water, sip it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (via NDTV Food).