Last Updated on October 9, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims drinking cold water in hot weather can narrow the blood vessels, causing a stroke. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook post reads, “Between 40 to 50 °C. Always drink room-temperature water slowly. Avoid drinking cold or ice water!”
The post ends with a note stating, “During the hot months or if you are very tired, avoid drinking very cold water immediately, as it can cause the veins or blood vessels to narrow, which can lead to a stroke.
*Please Spread The Warning To Others!*”
Fact Check
Can drinking cold water in a hot environment lead to a stroke?
Not exactly. There is a common belief that drinking cold water in a hot environment can lead to stroke, but this is actually a myth. Drinking cold water in a hot environment is not advisable; however, no scientific evidence proves that it would cause a stroke.
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing brain cells to die due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Stroke is of two types, namely, ischaemic and hemorrhagic. It is typically caused by factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes, among others.
Dr. Pradeep Rajanna, In-charge & Consultant of the Accident & Emergency Department at Manipal Hospital Mysore, clarifies this by stating, “It is not possible. There is no association between drinking cold water after coming from a hot environment and stroke.
Drinking cold water in a hot environment may cause discomfort, such as headaches or stomach aches, due to sudden constriction of blood vessels in the stomach. However, this is not related to stroke. The body has natural mechanisms to protect you in different temperatures, but it is best to rest before having anything too cold if you’re coming in from the heat.
Moreover, bathing with cold water won’t explode the blood vessels; instead, the physiologic response to cold exposure causes skin blood vessels to constrict to conserve heat.
It is important to stay hydrated in hot environments to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Drinking water at a comfortable temperature, such as room temperature, is recommended. Additionally, taking regular breaks from the heat and staying in shaded areas can help prevent heat-related illnesses. If you experience any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, such as dizziness, nausea, confusion, or a rapid heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately.
Our Ayurvedic expert, Dr Sanjay Kumar explains, “Drinking cold water after coming from a hot environment can cause blood vessels to constrict as a physiological response to cold stimulation. However, no evidence proves that drinking cold water will cause stroke. Stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel”. He further elaborates on this by stating, “According to Ayurveda, we should drink water whose temperature is close to our body temperature as cold water can decrease our ‘Jadhar Agni’ (Digestion power). Water in normal temperature is better for absorption of food, and it’s nutrients. By drinking cold water, the body must work harder for absorption, leading to unwanted energy loss. Hence, it is better to drink water whose temperature is close to our body temperature for healthy absorption and healthy living.”
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