Hot weather makes one susceptible to summer heat and dampness, which affects the spleen and stomach's digestive and absorption functions. If one frequently eats raw and cold foods and drinks cold beverages, it can damage the spleen and stomach. During hot summer weather, one should choose foods that clear heat and expel dampness to boost resistance. In particular, patients with chronic illnesses should be selective about cold drinks, or even avoid them. The ideal temperature for beverages should be between 30-32°C.
It is worth mentioning that not everyone is suitable for consuming cold drinks. Patients with chronic illnesses, in particular, should be selective about cold drinks, or even avoid them.
Patients with gastric ulcers, gastritis, and indigestion should not consume excessive cold drinks. Due to their poor digestive system function, cold drinks can easily irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, impair digestion, and worsen their condition. Cold drinks should not be consumed immediately after a meal. After eating, blood is mostly concentrated in the digestive organs like the stomach. Consuming cold drinks immediately after a meal causes the dilated blood vessels in the stomach to constrict, reducing blood flow and hindering the normal digestive process. The cold stimulation also accelerates gastrointestinal motility, affecting the absorption of nutrients. Additionally, cold water can dilute gastric acid, which impairs digestion. Furthermore, the elderly often have diminished upper gastrointestinal function and lower tolerance to cold drinks, so they should avoid excessive consumption to prevent digestive dysfunction.
The best time to drink water is two hours before a meal. Warm tea is a more ideal beverage, with the best temperature being between 30-32°C, which is close to body temperature. The temperature of cold drinks is generally lower than the stomach's internal temperature. Long-term excessive consumption of cold drinks can cause the submucosal blood vessels of the stomach to constrict, leading to a decrease in the stomach's defensive capabilities and affecting health. It is advisable to drink fewer cold drinks and iced water, especially before or after meals, to minimize health impacts.