What does ice cold drinks do to your stomach?

During the consultation I usually ask my patients, what liquids do you drink? How do you take them?

One of my patient said she always drink liquids with ice cubes. She likes the sound of the ice crackling inside her drinks and never even thought twice of not putting ice in her drinks; it was an automatic response she did each time she prepared beverages. She told me she only drinks healthy herbal iced teas without sugar and she now avoids all sodas or artificially flavored juices. However when I told her that it is best to drink warm or room temperature water for her condition, she was very surprised and resistant. Even in cold winter season, she puts ice in her water because that is how she was used to being served at home and at the restaurants.

In Chinese Medicine, ice cold drinks beverages creates heat in the stomach because it has to work harder to break down the coldness, which ultimately damages the entire digestive system. This digestive system is necessary to maintain body’s natural defense system. Even in Western medicine theory, cold causes vessels to contract so the liquid is not absorbed.

Summer time, I recommend cucumber water with mint or lemon and berries infused water to cool down your body. These are foods are cooling in nature without harming your stomach during summer. I will have summer beverage recipes posted next summer :)

Nonetheless, we can feel the cool breeze in the air this early October. Autumn is here!! It is the best time to protect your stomach and have a wellness tune up with acupuncture and herbs. I have been drinking chai tea with many spices and chinese herbs. So delicious and very warming from inside out! Try adding herbs like licorice or stevia leaves for some sweetness if you like. Switch up herbs in your tea for different flavors and have fun with it! Best way to boosting your immunity this fall season!