Does drinking hot water really have any health benefits?
Hot water, which is boiled water then cooled to about 40-50 degrees Celsius, is said to have a variety of health benefits. However, some of the health benefits are said to be of questionable veracity. Lauren Ball, a professor of community health and well-being at the University of Queensland in Australia, and her colleagues explained the health benefits of hot water.
Will drinking hot water help me lose weight, clear my skin or treat cramps?
Drinking a glass of hot water right after waking up in the morning or before going to bed at night is a popular and easy habit to adopt for good health. However, there are also rumors about its benefits that are unclear, such as 'drinking hot water helps with weight loss,' 'relieves sore throats,' 'beautiful skin,' and 'relieves menstrual pain.'
'Drinking hot water is generally safe, and many people report feeling better after drinking it, but the reasons for this are not well understood,' Ball and colleagues wrote. However, hydration is essential for life, and maintaining adequate hydration supports overall health, including digestion, circulation, kidney function, and blood pressure regulation.
Additionally, a 2025 study showed that low water intake can amplify stress, so staying hydrated is also considered important for dealing with stress.
Hydration may be important for dealing with stress - GIGAZINE
While hydration itself is important for health, the health benefits of drinking hot water are often exaggerated. So, Ball and his colleagues explain whether hot water really has any effect on weight loss, sore throats, skin care, menstrual cramps, and other benefits that are said to be beneficial.
◆1: Does drinking hot water help you lose weight?
Regarding this question, Ball and his colleagues state, 'There are no high-quality human studies demonstrating that drinking hot water alone results in significant weight loss.' While a 2012 study showed that water intake increases pre-meal satiety and reduces intake of high-calorie beverages, which can help with weight management, they say there is insufficient evidence that hot water is superior to water at other temperatures for weight loss.
Another small study suggested that drinking hot water may stimulate intestinal peristalsis and aid digestion, but this effect was modest and did not lead to fat loss. 'If drinking hot water can replace sugary drinks or increase overall fluid intake, it may indirectly help with weight goals. However, the temperature of the water itself does not cause fat burning,' Ball and colleagues wrote.
◆2: Does hot water soothe a sore throat?
At first glance, hot water and sore throats may not seem to be related, but Ball and his colleagues say, 'There is clear evidence that temperature is important.'
Previous studies have shown that hot drinks can soothe sore throats and relieve stuffy noses. The warmth of the drink, and in some cases the steam that rises from it, loosens mucus and helps soothe inflamed tissues in the throat and airways. This effect is not limited to hot water; hot tea and herbal teas also provide similar symptom relief. Ball and his colleagues stated, 'Hot water and other hot drinks can relieve symptoms, although they do not treat the underlying cause.'
◆3: Does hot water have a skin-beautifying effect?
Some influencers claim that drinking hot water can improve skin clarity, but there's no scientific evidence to back this up. While staying hydrated can help
There's also a theory that hot water has a detoxifying effect on the skin, but Ball and his colleagues say, 'Detoxification is done by organs like the liver and kidneys, not by washing the body with hot water. In other words, drinking enough water is beneficial for skin health, but the temperature of the water doesn't seem to have much of an effect.'
◆4: Does drinking hot water improve menstrual pain?
When suffering from menstrual cramps or abdominal pain, applying external heat, such as with a hot water bottle, can relax tissues and improve blood circulation, which can help relieve pain , but Ball and his colleagues point out that simply drinking warm water is not enough. Some research has shown that drinking plenty of water during menstruation can help relieve pain , but the results have not shown that the temperature of the water is related.
Additionally, green tea and certain herbal teas have been reported to lower the concentration of prostaglandins , a hormone involved in menstrual pain, and to reduce oxidative stress in the uterus, which is believed to be the cause of menstrual pain. Combining adequate hydration with these beverages can help relieve menstrual pain, but there is no evidence that hot water alone is effective as a treatment for menstrual pain.
While the health benefits of hot water vary, having a warm drink can be calming, and drinking more water can have physical and mental benefits. Because these sensory and ritualistic effects do exist, personal experiences shared as evidence on social media may have exaggerated and spread the health benefits of hot water.
'Drinking hot water can be beneficial because it increases hydration, helps you relax, and allows you to start your day with a favorite routine, but don't assume that warmth itself is important,' Ball and his colleagues wrote.
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