Is It Bad To Drink Ice Water In The Heat? Here’s What Science Says About Its Effects.

During extreme heat waves, an ice-cold drink may seem like the perfect relief. However, health experts warn that consuming very cold liquids in high temperatures could have negative effects on the body, especially if you’ve been exposed to the sun for a long time or haven’t been hydrated enough.

According to institutions such as the American College of Sports Medicine, sudden temperature changes, such as going from ambient heat to eating something cold, can alter the body’s thermal balance.

This can cause symptoms such as stomach upset, excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness, and even aggravate the effects of heat stroke.

Why does the body react badly to drinking cold drinks in intense heat? The human body is designed to maintain a stable internal temperature.

When exposed to heat, natural mechanisms such as sweating, rapid breathing, and vasodilation are activated to release heat. However, drinking very cold liquids interrupts this process by causing a sudden contraction of blood vessels.

This physiological response can hinder the dissipation of internal heat, slow digestion if you have recently eaten, and cause general discomfort. In situations of prolonged sun exposure, drinking ice-cold beverages could worsen heat exhaustion.

Is it a myth or a scientifically backed warning? Far from being a popular belief, this recommendation has scientific support. Various physiological studies have analyzed how the body responds to abrupt temperature changes. In regions like the Middle East and South Asia, where temperatures can be extreme, drinking lukewarm or room-temperature water is a common traditional method of thermal regulation.

Medical consensus indicates that although a cold drink provides immediate relief, its consequences can be counterproductive in the medium term, especially on extremely hot days.

What type of liquids are most recommended during the heat?

Health and nutrition experts recommend staying hydrated regularly with room temperature or slightly cool water. It’s also advisable to consume fluids with electrolytes if you’ve been sweating a lot, and to avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, or sugary beverages, as these can contribute to dehydration.

Water-rich fruits, such as watermelon and melon, are also helpful for staying hydrated. It’s also recommended to avoid direct sun exposure, wear lightweight clothing, and stay in well-ventilated areas.

Who should be most cautious?

Certain population groups are more vulnerable to the effects of heat and very cold liquids:

• Older adults, whose thermal regulation system no longer works as efficiently.
• Young children, because their self-regulation mechanisms are still developing.
• People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease.
• Outdoor workers or athletes, due to the physical effort they make in the sun.

In all these cases, an ice-cold drink in the heat can trigger more severe adverse reactions, so it’s recommended to opt for controlled and continuous hydration throughout the day.

Maintaining proper hydration is essential during periods of extreme heat, but it must be done safely. Drinking moderately cool fluids instead of cold ones helps the body avoid overcompensating, allowing it to maintain its thermal balance without additional stress.