Sniffle Solutions

Yes. Although cold water is absorbed more quickly in the body than hot water, cold or warm drinks will quench thirst just the same. This holds true for both adults and children. One recent study, published in a pediatric journal, found that fluids at body temperature and water at room temperature were equally effective at hydration when given to infants.

Even though liquids at different temperatures are equally hydrating, colder fluids can slightly decrease body temperature when consumed on a hot day. That’s why a glass of lemonade with ice is so refreshing in the middle of the summer. And the opposite is also true. A warm drink can increase body temperature slightly when we drink it after coming in from outside on a frigid winter day.

In terms of hydration, be aware of some caffeinated beverages, such as some coffees and teas and soda. They may have a small diuretic effect on the body and therefore not be as beneficial to hydration since they draw water out of the body.