I love cold water—whether it’s in my giant go-to tumbler or the glass I ask for at a restaurant, it’s always chilled. If you’re like me, you’ve probably eaten with someone who insists on warm or at least room-temperature water.

So, who’s right? Let’s find out.

It might sound like a silly question, but “cold” can mean different things to different people.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

No matter the temperature, staying hydrated is essential.

According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine:

This includes all fluids—not just water, but also beverages and foods with high water content.

When it comes to temperature, though, it’s mostly personal preference. Some people swear by warm water, others prefer room temp, and folks like me go straight for the ice.

There are plenty of myths surrounding cold water.

One common belief is that drinking cold water—especially with meals—hinders digestion by “tightening” the stomach or slowing down food breakdown.

Another popular claim is that cold water solidifies fats in your digestive tract, making them harder to digest and possibly leading to weight gain.

These ideas sound plausible—but science says otherwise.

Once you swallow cold water, it quickly warms to body temperature. Your digestive system is fully equipped to handle fats thanks to bile, no matter what temperature your drink was.

That means cold water doesn’t “freeze” fats or harm digestion.

However, in traditional Chinese medicine, drinking cold water with hot food is believed to create an imbalance in the body’s energy (qi). That’s why warm water or tea is often served with meals in many Asian cultures—to keep the digestive system “balanced” and warm.

While most fears about cold water are myths, a few claims do have some scientific backing.

Here are situations where cold water could cause discomfort:

A small study found that cold water can slow mucus flow, potentially worsening nasal stuffiness.

Warm drinks like tea or soup, on the other hand, tend to have the opposite effect—helping you breathe easier.

Research involving Chinese children with asthma showed that very cold water sometimes triggered coughing and wheezing.

Women with a history of migraines were twice as likely to develop a headache after drinking ice water through a straw, according to one study.

In people with achalasia—a rare swallowing disorder—cold water can worsen symptoms by increasing esophageal contractions and pressure, making swallowing more difficult.

That familiar sharp headache after gulping an icy drink? It’s called a cold-stimulus headache. Scientists believe it’s caused by rapid changes in blood flow or stimulation of cold-sensitive nerves in the mouth and throat.

Here’s a fun fact: drinking cold water can make your body burn a few extra calories—though not many.

According to gastroenterologist Dr. Brian Weiner, your body burns about 5 calories to warm up 1 ounce of ice.

That means a full 16-ounce glass of cold water uses up about 4–7 calories—roughly the same as one M&M.

So while it’s not a weight-loss strategy, it’s an interesting side effect of your body maintaining its core temperature (98.6°F / 37°C).

If you’re healthy, there’s no need to give up your ice-cold water.

Most concerns about it are cultural, anecdotal, or apply only to specific medical conditions like migraines or swallowing disorders.

So go ahead—sip your water cold if that’s how you like it. Whether it’s from a fancy bottle, your favorite tumbler, or straight from the tap, cold water isn’t the enemy.

It’s hydration—just the way you like it.