Many people experience constipation and difficulty having bowel movements at some point. As a result, people try various home remedies to help promote healthy bowel movements, including drinking hot water. But does drinking hot water actually help you poop?
How hot water may help with constipation
There are a few ways that drinking hot water could potentially help relieve constipation:
- Hydration – Staying hydrated is important for healthy bowel movements. Drinking hot water may help increase fluid intake and prevent dehydration, which can contribute to constipation.
- Warming effect – Heat helps relax muscles and stimulate movement in the gastrointestinal tract. The warmth from hot water may help relax the muscles in the digestive tract and promote contractions to move stool.
- Increase motility – Drinking hot or warm liquids may stimulate gastric motility, or the contractions that move food through the digestive system. This movement and contraction of the intestines can aid bowel movements.
What the research says
Despite the popularity of using hot water for constipation relief, there is limited research specifically on its efficacy. However, some studies provide insight:
- A 2017 study in rats found that warm water immersion accelerated colonic motility. The warming effect on the colon may promote bowel movements.
- One small 2012 study had participants drink cold, room temperature, or hot water on different days. While hot water increased rectosigmoid motility, it did not increase the number of bowel movements compared to other temperatures.
- A 2010 study in rats showed warming the abdomen increased gastric motility. This suggests heat may stimulate contractions to move stool, but human data is lacking.
- Some research has found increased hydration from water helped relieve constipation, but did not compare warm versus cold water.
Overall the current research is limited, but suggests some potential beneficial mechanisms from drinking hot water. More robust clinical studies in humans are still needed.
Other tips for relieving constipation
While the data is limited on hot water specifically, there are other evidence-based ways to prevent and relieve constipation:
- Drink plenty of fluids – Stay well hydrated by sipping water throughout the day, and opt for warm/hot beverages if you prefer.
- Eat high fiber foods – Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds are great sources.
- Exercise regularly – Physical activity stimulates the digestive system.
- Establish a bathroom routine – Going at the same time each day trains the body.
- Try probiotic foods – Yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut contain beneficial bacteria.
- Consider supplements – Magnesium, probiotics or fiber supplements may help.
- See a doctor if symptoms persist – Chronic constipation may require treatment.
Who might benefit from hot water
While definitive studies are still needed, here are some instances where drinking hot water may be helpful:
- During pregnancy – Constipation is common during pregnancy. Hot water may help relax GI muscles and stimulate motility when constipation occurs.
- For occasional constipation – The warmth may help if you are infrequently constipated due to dehydration, diet changes or travel.
- Alongside high fiber foods – Fiber helps move stool through the colon, and hot water may enhance this effect.
- When transitioning diets – Warm water can help if constipation occurs after increasing fiber intake or reducing processed foods.
Drinking hot water is unlikely to be harmful, so it may be reasonable to try it alongside other lifestyle remedies when battling occasional constipation. But chronic issues may require more intensive treatment.
Downsides of drinking hot water
Some potential downsides of frequently drinking hot water include:
- Scalding risk – Very hot water raises the risk of burning your mouth.
- Unwanted warming – Frequently drinking hot beverages can raise body temperature and cause sweating.
- Dental issues – Repeated exposure to hot liquids may damage tooth enamel over time.
- Dependency – Relying solely on hot water may prevent seeking other needed treatments for chronic constipation.
To get benefits while avoiding downsides, allow hot water to cool slightly before drinking. Additionally, mix in other beverages and explore other remedies if constipation persists.
The bottom line
Here is a summary of the key points:
- There is limited research specifically on hot water for constipation, but some evidence it may help.
- Possible benefits include improved hydration, relaxing gut muscles, and stimulating motility.
- Hot water may aid occasional constipation, but talk to a doctor for chronic issues.
- Avoid scalding and mix with other fluids. Combine hot water with lifestyle changes.
- More rigorous clinical studies are still needed to make definitive conclusions.
In conclusion:
Drinking hot water may offer some benefits for constipation relief in some instances by improving hydration and promoting motility. However, current research is limited and more studies are needed. Hot water should not be the sole remedy for chronic constipation issues. Speak to your doctor if lifestyle and diet changes do not relieve persistent symptoms. Overall, drinking warm or hot water throughout the day as part of a balanced hydration approach can support healthy bowel function for many people.