As winter sets in and temperatures drop, the body naturally seeks warmth and comfort. Cold winds make people more mindful of their health, especially hydration. Even though we feel less thirsty during winter, the risk of dehydration remains the same. This is why many people prefer drinking lukewarm water to stay warm and support digestion. But an important question often comes up: Is it safe to drink lukewarm water frequently?

Lukewarm water can soothe the digestive system and help break down food more easily. It may also relieve gas, constipation, and heaviness in the stomach. Since metabolism slows in winter, warm water helps keep the body active. It also loosens mucus in the throat, nose, and chest, offering relief from cold symptoms. But can frequent intake of warm water cause stomach problems?

Can lukewarm water harm the stomach if consumed repeatedly?
According to Dr. Ananya Gupta, former head of gastroenterology at AIIMS Delhi, drinking lukewarm water in moderate amounts is beneficial. However, consuming very hot or very warm water repeatedly throughout the day may irritate the stomach lining. Continuous exposure to high temperatures can disturb the stomach’s acid balance, causing acidity, heartburn, or indigestion.

Extremely hot water may push the stomach to speed up digestion unnaturally, which can be uncomfortable for people with sensitive digestion. In some cases, it may even contribute to dehydration, as the body tends to expel hot water more quickly. So, while lukewarm water is generally safe, drinking it too often or in excessive amounts may lead to digestive discomfort.

Important points to keep in mind
• Avoid very hot water; lukewarm is enough.
• Keep your daily water intake balanced.
• If you experience acidity or stomach irritation, reduce warm water consumption.
• Avoid drinking very hot water before going to bed.
• Refrain from drinking very hot water immediately after meals.