Here’s something everyone knows but rarely considers: 75% of the human body is composed of water. Essentially, we’re water balloons with legs, or whatever Flubber was. To sustain that internal reservoir, individuals must consume 15 cups of water (for males) and 11 cups of water (for women) every day. It doesn’t take a math expert to see that’s a lot of water. To put that into perspective, beloved character actor Steve Buscemi is currently carrying around 83.74 pounds of water in his body, or approximately 10 gallons, according to the Omni Calculator (a fantastic online tool that calculates a person’s total body water volume using a formula developed by Dr. P.E. Watson).

But what if you’ve been consuming water, the irresistible nectar of life, in the wrong way? At the very least, is it ineffective? Just as every plant has optimal growth circumstances, physicians and medical specialists believe that the temperature of the water we drink is far more important than you may assume.

When it comes to drinking water, everyone has their own unique method—whether it’s room temperature, ice cold, straight from the fridge, or slightly warm for no reason at all—but while we continue to chug our preferred temperatures without question, we may be missing out on serious health benefits or even causing ourselves unnecessary discomfort.

Medical scientists have discovered that water temperature, when utilized at the appropriate moment, may dramatically enhance your health, influencing everything from how we digest our meals to how well we perform during exercise. All water hydrates, but the temperature at which you consume it can make a huge impact.

The digestive system benefits greatly from room-temperature water.

When to drink?

Good morning! Many dieticians and health experts advocate drinking room-temperature water (approximately 68°F) first thing in the morning to stimulate your gastrointestinal tract gently. This mild treatment, known as “Japanese water therapy,” involves swallowing 4-5 glasses (about ¾ cup each) upon awakening and waiting 45 minutes before eating. It’s also ideal for daily hydration, as room temperature water is frequently simpler to swallow.

Why it works.

“In Chinese medicine, we advocate drinking warm water because of its effect on the digestive system,” adds Dr. Jill Blakeway, a qualified acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner. “Drinking cold water can congeal the fats in food, and because of that, it can make the digestive system sluggish.” Your body absorbs room-temperature water more quickly, creating less disruption to the digestive tract, making it the preferred choice for sensitive stomachs.

Ice-cold water is ideal for exercises and hot days.

When to drink?

This one is for athletes and fitness experts: Cold water (about 41°F from the fridge or 60°F from the faucet) is your new best buddy. Cold water, like a lovely summer breeze, has a natural cooling effect on the body before or after exercise. It also boosts your metabolism slightly: according to studies, your body expends around five calories per ounce of ice when warming the water to body temperature.

Why it works.

According to research, sipping cold water activates a unique reaction that allows you to stop sweating sooner, thus reducing your core temperature and improving overall performance. “It turns out that sweating stops before fluid can be completely incorporated into the body,” explains gastroenterologist Dr. Brian Weiner. “There’s some kind of reflex that acknowledges liquid intake, and studies have shown that it kicks in more at the cold tap water level.”

Hot water heals whatever ails you.

When to drink?

When you’re not feeling well, hot water (130-160°F) may be quite calming. So, if you’re feeling congested or have a sore throat, a mug of hot water might be just what the doctor ordered. A 2008 study discovered that hot liquids act as a natural treatment, delivering rapid, long-lasting relief from runny noses, coughing, sore throats, and weariness.

Why it works.

Hot water, like a warm summer rain, produces steam that aids in the removal of nasal congestion, while its calming warmth soothes the gastrointestinal and digestive muscles. In fact, a tiny research study found that warm water helped patients recover from surgery by enhancing their comfort and intestinal health. Warm or hot water may practically melt away tension, as long as the temperature is kept at a comfortable level; water exceeding 160°F can scorch your esophagus or damage your taste buds.

When to avoid specific water temperatures.

While most experts believe that drinking adequate water is considerably more essential than the temperature, there are several scenarios to consider:

Migraines. Don’t drink cold water! According to a 2001 study, the refreshing drink might cause—or even exacerbate—headaches in individuals who are already prone to them.

Achalasia. If you have damage to your esophagus, cold water may intensify discomfort. Instead, try using warm water to calm and relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Hot and humid days. Surprisingly, contrary to popular belief, warm water might actually help you feel less thirsty, which certified dietitian Vanessa Rissetto cautions is ” dangerous on days when your body is losing water through sweating to try to keep cool.”

We all know how vital drinking water is, but just as a garden grows with proper care at the correct time, you can maximize and adapt the water you consume throughout the day. It’s up to you whether you drink from a Stanley tumbler, an Owala water bottle, or a Yeti flask.