Does hot water really improve digestion?

Water is extremely important to your overall health, including your digestive health. No matter the temperature, water keeps you hydrated and helps your body function at its best. But could hot water provide more digestive benefits than cold water?

Recently, a TikTok trend has touted the benefits of drinking hot or warm water first thing in the morning or on an empty stomach before eating. The trend claims this can help boost metabolism and improve digestion.

Is hot water better for digestion?

Drinking water helps digestion in general, but there’s limited research to support the claim that hot water can significantly improve your digestion. A 2016 study showed promising findings that warm water could have positive effects on digestive patterns after surgery, but more studies need to be done.

“There are no negative effects from drinking warm water to help your digestion,” says Dr. Rana Sokhi, a gastroenterologist at Aurora Health Care. “The most important part is staying hydrated. So, if drinking warm water helps you stay hydrated and feel better, then there’s no real downside.”

Ways to improve your digestion

While the connection between hot water and digestion is still being researched, there are some tried-and-true steps you can take to improve your digestion:

• Increase your fiber intake: Adding more fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans can help support digestion and prevent constipation.
• Prioritize hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps break down food, soften stools and ensure proper digestion.
• Incorporate probiotics: Focus on foods that provide live bacterial cultures, such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi, to support gut health.
• Eat a well-balanced diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean and plant-based protein while limiting processed food.
• Prioritize regular exercise: Physical activity is not only good for your health, but it can also help increase blood flow to the digestive organs and improve digestion.
• Keep a food journal for food sensitivities: Keeping a food journal can help you identify food sensitivities as well as other triggers that are causing you digestive problems.

“Focusing on lifestyle changes and prioritizing a healthy diet are always great ways to improve your digestion,” says Dr. Sokhi. “If those don’t work, your health care provider can work with you to explore other treatment options for your symptoms.”

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