Our digestive system is a complex series of organs that help the body break down and absorb the foods and liquids we consume. Digestion is a vital process because our bodies cannot directly extract the nutrients from the foods we consume until they are broken down into smaller molecules of nutrients. Once this process occurs, the nutrients can be absorbed into the blood stream and carried to cells throughout the body for nourishment and energy.  Also keep in mind that quick meals to curb your hunger may be lacking the nutrients your body needs because of the way they are processed, thus degrading any nutrients the unprocessed form held.

Inside your digestive organs is a lining called mucosa that contains tiny gland that produce juices like hydrochloric acids that break down our foods. Additionally, there exists a layer of muscle that helps break down foods as it helps move it along the digestive tract.

The entire digestive process begins by swallowing food or liquid. The food will be pushed into the esophagus which is connected to the stomach. Our stomachs begin to mix the food, liquid, and digestive juices together to break down the foods before entering into the small intestine. In the small intestine, enzymes break down the carbohydrates, fats and proteins in foods.

When consuming liquid, it is important to remember that cold drinks effect our body differently than hot drinks.

So, how do cold drinks inhibit your ability to process food and fluids?

Here’s a simple analogy…

When you put water on the stove, it moves faster… there’s more activity.
When you put water in the freezer, it slows down (freezes)… there’s less activity.

Cold decreases activity. Heat increases activity. We hurt the warm process of digestion (cold negates heat). The LAST thing we want to do is SLOW DOWN digestion. The result is poorly digested food which leaves sludge in the intestinal tract. This sludge is often a cause for weak immune systems, weight gain, fatigue, cysts, allergies, sinusitis and certain types of headaches.

The important thing to remember is that you want your body to focus on breaking down the food you’ve just eaten, not warming up the cold drink! It’s energy better spent!

Instead of reaching for ice water or other cold drinks, while you are eating, opt for room temperature water and give your body the help it needs to focus on the breakdown of foods.

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