What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Hot Water First Thing in the Morning

Hot water not only warms you up but could also enhance your health. Discover how incorporating hot water into your daily routine can improve hydration, boost your metabolism, and provide soothing comfort.

1. You’re More Hydrated

Drinking enough water throughout the day is key to maintaining overall health and preventing dehydration, which occurs when the body doesn’t take in enough fluids. Hydration directly impacts:

• Neurological function
• Digestion
• Skin health
• Kidney function

Drinking hot water (especially during the cold winter months) has a psychologically soothing effect, encouraging you to drink more water and replenish lost fluids.

2. You Shiver Less in the Cold

Drinking hot water when the temperature drops may help reduce shivering by regulating the body’s core temperature. Ingesting the warm liquid can temporarily raise the body’s internal temperature, which could reduce the need for the body to shiver to generate heat.

Experts note that the benefits of drinking hot water increase with the amount consumed. In addition, drinking warm water while exercising in the cold can positively impact performance and comfort levels.

Drinking warm water may also help prevent mild hypothermia.

3. Your Circulation Gets a Boost

Heat and warmth expand blood vessels and improve circulation in the body. This is why temperature therapies like saunas and warm baths are often prescribed for various health benefits, including circulation.

Drinking hot or warm water may work in a similar way. Although heat temporarily warms your body internally, drinking hot water regularly can support blood flow. However, more evidence is needed.

4. Your Pain May Be Reduced

A warm drink may relax muscles and support pain reduction. Studies show that increased circulation from external heat therapy delivers blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the body’s muscles and decreases lactic acid levels that can trigger muscle soreness. Drinking hot water may also reduce pain, though more research is needed.

5. It May Offer Weight Loss Help

Drinking more water is a popular tactic for supporting weight loss because the metabolic process requires adequate fluid intake. Hot water might be a bonus because it increases body temperature and activates metabolism.

A 2023 study found drinking 6 to 8 ounces of hot water rather than regular water may support weight loss, with increased benefits found in a small sample of 50 adults across three months. The study builds on earlier research that reported a similar boost to weight management.

6. Digestion May Improve

The digestive system requires hydration to move food through the body properly and maintain balance in the gut. Drinking warm or hot water helps digestion by relaxing the gastrointestinal tract muscles and keeping the system running smoothly. Some case studies found that drinking hot or warm water before a meal supports digestion.

Animal research suggests that drinking warm water during cold seasons supports a healthy gut environment. However, more human studies are needed.

7. Constipation May Ease

Constipation, defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, is often triggered by not drinking enough fluids. Drinking hot or warm water could further support regular bowel movements.

Some research shows that consuming hot water at 98.6 degrees F positively supports the gastrointestinal system and bowel movements.

8. Nasal Congestion Will Clear Up

Inhaling steam is a popular home remedy for clearing nasal congestion, and drinking tea is often recommended when feeling unwell.

Inhaling the steam from and consuming a hot beverage (like water) can help with nasal congestion by breaking up mucus and unclogging the sinuses. There’s some evidence to suggest that it boosts the immune system, which helps to fight infection along with soothing the symptoms.

9. You’ll Support Nervous System Function

The body’s central nervous system requires hydration to function properly. Not getting adequate fluids can negatively impact certain brain functions and mood regulation. One study found that drinking enough water supported brain activity during challenging activities and reduced reported anxiety levels.

10. You’ll Experience Less Stress

Staying hydrated may help improve mood because it supports the central nervous system. Studies suggest that not drinking enough water decreases the ability to feel calm, satisfied, and other positive emotions.

A 2025 study suggests that drinking hot liquids in cold weather may have a positive impact on depression, lower stress levels, and reduce how often you have insomnia.

11. Toxin Levels May Be Lower

Various detoxification programs and products claim to remove toxins from the body. Some experts argue that consuming hot water may be one of these detox methods. They theorize that by raising the internal body temperature (and triggering sweating), hot water consumption helps to expel toxins.

Drinking more water generally helps support kidney health by diluting waste in the bloodstream. In addition, rheumatologists (healthcare providers specializing in treating inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system) have noted that water consumption is key for flushing out the body, combating inflammation, and keeping the joints lubricated.

12. Achalasia Symptoms May Improve

People with achalasia, a rare disorder that makes it difficult to swallow food and drink, may benefit from drinking warm water. Muscle spasms are more likely when drinking cold water, so warm and soothing beverages are recommended.

A Word From Verywell

Drinking warm and hot beverages can help increase core body temperature and improve digestion. If you do not like the taste of water alone, add lemon, make herbal tea, or drink a clear broth. Make sure the water is cooled to a comfortable level before consumption.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Drink Hot Water?

The best time of day for drinking hot water is a personal preference. Hot water right after waking up is a warm beverage alternative to coffee. Others note that sipping on warm water just before bed is a calming way to unwind for a good night’s sleep.

Can You Get the Same Benefits From Tea or Coffee?

Consuming any liquid technically supports your daily fluid intake. However, coffee and certain teas contain caffeine, which may cause more frequent urination and fluid loss.

Plain water is your best bet for staying hydrated. While there isn’t specific research on the benefits of different hot liquids, it’s probably safe to assume that your fluid needs are supported whether you’re sipping on a cup of warm tea, clear broth, or water.

Potential Risks

The practice of drinking warm or hot water is generally considered to be safe. Still, there are some potential risks and safety measures to take into consideration when you’re dealing with beverages at hot temperatures, such as:

There are potential risks of bacterial contamination and exposure to lead if you consume hot water directly from the tap. It’s wise to run cold water from the tap and heat it separately, such as in a kettle, before drinking. To be safe, always allow your hot drink to cool down to a comfortable temperature before taking a sip.