Why do we love drinking cold water so much—even if it's harmful?

Have you ever noticed that after a run, a hot day, or an intense workout, your brain screams:COLD WATER! NOW! AND EVEN ICE IN IT!
And you, like an automaton, grab the bottle, shove it in your mouth—and feel pure bliss.

But... why? Why exactlycoldWhy does water evoke such a strong emotional response? And why, despite all the scientific warnings, do we continue to drink it—even when it might be harmful?

1. This is not about thirst - it's about thermoregulation

When you sweat, your body is trying to cool down. The brain receives a signal:"Temperature is elevated! Overheating threat!"
And then he starts looking fora quick way to lower the temperature of internal organs.

Cold water is the ideal 'internal air conditioner.' When you swallow icy liquid, it cools the esophagus, stomach, and the blood circulating around these organs. This isinstant effectwhich the brain interprets as salvation.

🧠This is not just quenching thirst—it's a thermal reboot.

That is why we prefer cold water even when the body is no longer overheated—simply becausecooling is pleasant. It's like taking a cool shower in 30-degree heat—even if you're not drenched in sweat.

2. Evolution has deceived us

Our ancestors did not have refrigerators, ice, or bottles of mineral water. They drank water from rivers, lakes, puddles - and it wasalways room temperature(or even warm).

But here's the problem:cold water is a rarity in nature. It is found only in mountain streams, underground springs, or after rain. Which means -this is a marker of cleanliness and safety.

In antiquity:

Warm water = stagnant, could contain bacteria.

Cold water = running, fresh, safe.

The brain has learned to associatecold → cleanliness → safety → pleasant.
Today we drink ice-cold water from a plastic bottle, but the brain still thinks:"Aha, that's like a mountain spring! So, you won't get poisoned!"

🤯 We love cold water not because it is healthy - but because it isthis is an evolutionary false security signal.

3. Why might this be harmful?

This is where it gets interesting:our love for cold water contradicts physiology.

✅ What medicine says:

Cold water constricts blood vessels- this slows down the absorption of water in the intestines. That is, you drink more, but absorb less.

Sharp temperature dropmay cause stomach cramps, especially after eating or exercise.

For people with sensitive digestive tracts, cold water provokes bloating, pain, and even diarrhea.

In China and Japan, doctors have long advised drinking waterwarm— for better digestion, circulation, and reduced inflammation.

❌ And us?

— We drink ice water after a workout to 'cool down'.
— Pour it into a bottle with ice and carry it around all week.
— Even in winter —"And I'm cold, but the water must be icy!"

We ignore our own body's signals for the sake ofemotional pleasure.

4. Scientific experiment: "Ice water - a drug?"

In 2020, researchers from Ohio University conducted a fun experiment:
Participants were given water of different temperatures to drink after running.

Result:

Those who drankcold water (5°C), felt like27% betterin terms of comfort and recovery - even if their body temperature recoveredslowerthan those who drank warm water (37°C).

💡 That is:cold water gives the illusion of recovery— and the brain loves it.
It's like drinking an energy drink to feel more awake—even though the real energy hasn't been restored.

This ispsychophysiological deception.
The brain says:"If it tastes good, it must be healthy".
The body whispers:"I need warmth... but I am silent".

5. How to stop being a slave to ice?

Don't completely give up cold water—it's wonderful in the heat. But you can be smarter:

After the workout

Drink watercool (10–15°C)- not an icy one

On an empty stomach in the morning

Warm water with lemon stimulates digestion

While eating

Do not wash down with cold water, as this slows down digestion

For colds / stomach aches

Only warm helps to relieve spasms

Try drinking water for one dayroom temperature. You will be surprised how many new sensations you will notice: taste, texture, even smell. Water will cease to be just a 'cooling agent' - it will becomepart of your bodyand not by external weapons against the heat.

Conclusion: We love what deceives us—and that's okay

We love cold water because it is:

Quickly reduces stress,

Gives instant pleasure,

Creates the illusion of the 'right choice'.

But our brain is an ancient machine created for survival in the savanna, not for life in an air-conditioned fitness club with ice-cold bottles.

True wisdom is not in renouncing pleasure, but in understanding why it exists.

Drink cold water - but do it consciously.
Because sometimes the most pleasant thing is not the most useful.
And the most useful thing often seems boring.

"You don't drink water to cool down. You drink it to live."
And in order to live well, sometimes you need to listen to your body, not your brain.

💡Final question for reflection:
If you could choose:
— Ice water, which gives instant pleasure but slowly restores the body,
— Or a warm one that doesn't 'hit' the nerves, but really helps the body recover —
What will you choose?
The answer will show who you are: a human or their ancient brain.