Koreans who seek cold or hot coffee frequently. Especially during hot summer days, they prefer cold drinks that lower body temperature and help wake them up. However, there are some people who need to be cautious when consuming these cold beverages. Based on data from the National Health Portal, the National Health Insurance Webzine introduces four effects that cold drinks have on our body.
Be cautious of irritable bowel syndrome
When experiencing unusually severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is suspected. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and discomfort. It affects about 7-15% of the population. The exact cause is unknown, but abnormal colon motility, sensory abnormalities, and immune system dysfunction are suggested.
In particular, cold beverages can worsen irritable bowel syndrome. Consuming cold foods such as cold beer, iced coffee, or cold noodles lowers the body's temperature, which impairs digestive function and affects the intestinal environment.
Indigestion due to decreased gastric function
Cold beverages can reduce stomach function and cause indigestion. This is because cold temperatures decrease gastric motility and the secretion of digestive juices. Especially in cases of chronic gastritis or reflux esophagitis, cold drinks can induce diarrhea or abdominal pain. Indigestion presents symptoms such as post-meal fullness, early satiety, upper abdominal bloating, nausea, and heartburn.
It could be negative for high blood pressure.
Cold beverages can also be bad for high blood pressure. When cold drinks enter the body, blood vessels constrict, which can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure. Especially for hypertensive patients, it is important to practice smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, exercise, and healthy eating habits, while also undergoing medication therapy.
Weakened immunity
Body temperature is closely related to immunity. When body temperature suddenly drops, our body becomes more vulnerable to diseases, and this phenomenon is similar to when cold drinks are suddenly consumed. If immunity suddenly decreases, it is easy to catch infectious diseases such as colds, stomatitis, and enteritis. In such cases, it is important to focus on increasing immunity by maintaining proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and the balance of gut microbiota.
Cold extremities (cold hands and feet)
There are people whose hands and feet remain cold even in summer. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition where hands and feet remain cold even in hot summer, causing discomfort. People with this condition should avoid drinking cold beverages, as it can worsen Raynaud's. Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by abnormally cold hands and feet, and to alleviate the symptoms, it is recommended to avoid cold environments, dress warmly, and steer clear of cold drinks.
Kim Hye-in (phoenix@joseilbo.com)
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