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Neurogastroenterology specialist explains that cold water does not interrupt digestion, but can temporarily delay stomach emptying in more sensitive people, especially after heavy meals or on intensely hot days.
When temperatures rise, few things seem as pleasant as drinking a glass of water with plenty of ice or enjoying a very cold ice cream. However, many people report a feeling of a heavy stomach, bloating, or slower digestion right after consuming very cold drinks or foods. But does this discomfort mean that cold water really “blocks” digestion? According to a report published by the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, digestive system specialist Silvia Gómez Senent clarifies that this belief is nothing more than a myth, although intense cold can cause temporary changes in stomach function in some people.
The specialist, who works in the field of neurogastroenterology and intestinal microbiota, explains that this phenomenon is known as the so-called “cold water paradox”. Although water is essential for good digestion and the functioning of the body, its temperature can momentarily influence how the digestive system reacts, especially in more sensitive individuals.
What happens when very cold water reaches the stomach?
According to Silvia Gómez, when an extremely cold drink reaches the stomach, the body may respond with a local vasoconstriction, that is, a temporary narrowing of the blood vessels in the area.
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In addition, the cold can slightly decrease the rate of stomach movements responsible for directing food to the intestine. As a result, the so-called gastric emptying may occur a bit more slowly.
In practice, this means that some people may feel a sensation of a full stomach for a longer time, in addition to presenting symptoms such as:
- feeling of heaviness after meals;
- slight abdominal bloating;
- digestive discomfort;
- small stomach spasms.
The doctor highlights, however, that this reaction does not happen to everyone and, when it does, it is usually temporary.
According to her, drinking cold water does not interrupt digestion, nor does it pose any risk to healthy individuals. The intensity of the symptoms depends on the sensitivity of each organism, the amount ingested, and even the type of food consumed previously.
In which situations can the discomfort be greater?
The specialist explains that the effect is usually noticed mainly in situations where the digestive system is already working intensely.
Among the main examples are:
- right after very heavy meals;
- during intense heat waves;
- after vigorous physical exercise;
- in people who already have naturally slower digestion or some degree of gastrointestinal sensitivity.
At these times, the body needs to simultaneously manage factors such as digestion, increased body temperature, fluid replacement, and sudden temperature changes.
When an extremely cold drink is consumed quickly, this contrast can increase the feeling of discomfort, leading many people to believe they have suffered a “digestion cut.” According to Silvia Gómez, this sensation exists, but it does not represent a real blockage of the stomach’s functioning.
Therefore, on very hot days, the recommendation is to opt for fresh water, without excess ice, and consume it slowly. This way, it is possible to maintain good hydration without causing a thermal shock to the digestive system.
Ice creams can also slow down digestion
Ice creams deserve special attention because they combine three factors that influence the digestive process: low temperature, fat, and sugar.
While the cold can temporarily slow down stomach emptying, the fats and sugars present in many ice creams naturally require more time to be digested.
This combination can increase the feeling of bloating and a heavy stomach, especially when the food is consumed right after hearty meals or in large quantities.
Despite this, Silvia Gómez emphasizes that an ice cream consumed occasionally during the summer does not represent any significant digestive problem for most healthy people.
Does cold water interfere with the intestinal microbiota?
Another topic addressed by the specialist concerns the intestinal microbiota, a set of billions of bacteria that naturally live in the intestine and play an essential role in health.
According to Silvia Gómez, any influence of very cold water on the microbiota would be only indirect and quite subtle.
If the cold causes a temporary alteration in intestinal transit in sensitive people, it may slightly modify, for a short period, the environment where these bacteria live. However, there is no scientific evidence that drinking cold water or having an occasional ice cream causes significant harm to the microbiota.
Thus, the specialist recommends that the consumption of cold drinks be done in moderation, respecting the individual response of the body.
Instead of completely eliminating ice from the routine, the guidance is simple: observe how the body reacts, prefer fresh water during periods of intense heat, avoid ingesting large volumes at once right after heavy meals, and maintain adequate hydration throughout the day.
For most people, cold water remains a safe way to relieve the heat. When there is some digestive discomfort, small habit changes are usually enough to make digestion more comfortable.
Original source of the news: La Vanguardia (Spain). Information based on explanations by digestive system specialist Dr. Silvia Gómez Senent.
