Health: If you drink cold water immediately after coming in from the heat, this mistake could prove costly..
- byShikha Srivastava
- 25 Apr, 2026
To find relief from the scorching heat, people often drink cold water from the refrigerator immediately upon returning home from outdoors; however, this habit can prove detrimental to one's health. Doctors state that suddenly consuming very cold water creates an imbalance in the body's temperature, which can trigger various physical ailments.

**Impact on the Digestive System**
Warning against this practice, physician Dr. S.K. Chaturvedi explained that when a person returns from intense sunlight or a hot environment, their body is already at an elevated temperature; in such a state, immediately drinking cold water acts as a shock to the system. This disrupts the body's natural processes and has a negative impact on the digestive system.
**Potential Health Issues**
Dr. Chaturvedi further noted that drinking very cold water slows down the digestive process. The body is forced to expend extra energy to bring the cold liquid up to its normal internal temperature, which can lead to issues such as gastric trouble, indigestion, and abdominal cramps. Additionally, symptoms like a sore throat, common colds, and headaches may also be observed.
**Maintaining a Balanced Body Temperature is Essential**
The doctor emphasized that maintaining a balanced body temperature is crucial. When returning from outdoors, one should allow the body some time to return to its normal state. Instead of immediately drinking cold water, it is advisable to wait for 10 to 15 minutes. After this brief pause, drinking water at a normal or room temperature is considered the safer option.
**Staying Hydrated is Paramount**
At the same time, he advised that while staying hydrated is essential during the summer season, it must be done correctly. One should sip water throughout the day and avoid excessively cold beverages. Even if one feels intensely thirsty, it is prudent to exercise patience—allow the body to cool down first—before consuming any water.

**Avoid Drinking Refrigerated Water**
Dr. Chaturvedi concluded by stating that by adopting these simple precautions, one can effectively guard against serious health complications. Therefore, the next time you return home from outside, avoid drinking cold water straight from the fridge immediately, and give your body a little time to adjust. This will be better for your health.
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