It’s standard practice to consume cold beverages on an empty stomach, but doing so can have a number of unexpected consequences for your health. Here’s an investigation into what occurs when you sip anything cold before eating:
1. Shock to the stomach
The abrupt temperature drop that occurs when a cold beverage reaches the stomach is frequently referred to as “gastric shock.”
This happens as a result of the stomach muscles contracting due to the cold, which may cause pain or acute discomfort. This is especially apparent when you drink extremely cold beverages.
2. A slower rate of digesting
Cold drinks might hinder the body’s ability to digest food when consumed on an empty stomach.
This occurs because the muscles and enzymes in the stomach that break down food are momentarily numbed by the cold. The digesting process thus loses efficiency.
3. A lower heart rate
A modest drop in heart rate might also be brought on by cold beverages. The “diving reflex,” which is caused by the abrupt chilling of the vagus nerve that runs along the back of the throat, is related to this phenomena.
Although cold water on the face is the most typical way to cause the diving reflex, it can also be caused by eating something cold.
4. Effect on the levels of blood sugar
When sweet cold drinks are consumed without food, blood sugar levels can surge quickly. Without food to slow down the process, the body absorbs the sugar more quickly.
This may cause your energy levels to spike and then quickly plummet, leaving you feeling exhausted and uncomfortable.
5. Making acid reflux worse
Drinking cold liquids on an empty stomach might make symptoms worse for people with sensitive stomachs or disorders like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Drinks that are cold could make your stomach contract more, which could force stomach acids up into your esophagus and cause heartburn and discomfort.
6. Hydration
Positively, hydrating the body can be achieved by consuming any type of fluid while it is empty. Cold water, however, absorbs a little more quickly than warm water.
Therefore, if you want to fast hydrate, a cold drink might work, but you should weigh the advantages against any potential drawbacks.
While drinking cold liquids is typically harmless, doing so on an empty stomach may cause a number of different physiologic effects.
If this behavior causes you discomfort, you might want to consider cutting back on the amount of cold or room-temperature liquids you drink, especially if your stomach is empty.
As usual, it’s important to pay attention to how your body responds and make any adjustments based on your unique health needs.
