While cold is recommended for the surface of the body, cold on the inside can be harmful. Most food and drink should be consumed either at room temperature or close to body temperature. Think about it: a glass of ice water is about 35 degrees Fahrenheit, a differential of more than 60 degrees with the body’s 98.6. Drinking cold beverages constricts the blood vessels just as cold does anywhere in the body, decreasing blood supply to the stomach and reducing the secretion of gastric juices, which can bring about a decline in digestive function over time. It may also weaken immune function in the digestive tract, leaving it vulnerable to infection by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, the chief culprit in stomach ulcers. To keep your body in top shape for the long haul, know how to run hot and cold.
