TikTok Health Tip: Is Drinking Hot Water Healthier Than Cold?

Google searches for 'hot water' and 'hot water in the morning' have hit an all-time high, but experts say the benefits may be overblown.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:23pm

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A health hack going viral on TikTok claims that drinking hot water, especially on an empty stomach, provides a range of benefits from improved digestion to better circulation. However, while some traditional medicine practices tout the benefits of hot water, most Western doctors say the claims are exaggerated and that drinking more water in general is more important than the temperature.

Why it matters

The TikTok trend highlights the growing influence of social media on health and wellness trends, as well as the ongoing debate between traditional and Western medical approaches. Understanding the science behind these claims can help consumers make informed decisions about their health.

The details

The idea of drinking hot water for health benefits is not new, with roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Proponents claim it can help with everything from anxiety and weight loss to flushing out toxins. However, a nutrition expert at the University of Virginia says the idea that hot water 'flushes' more toxins is incorrect, as the liver and kidneys already handle that. The expert adds that while hydration in general aids digestion, the temperature of the water doesn't matter much - drinking cold water is just as beneficial.

  • Google searches for 'hot water' and 'hot water in the morning' recently hit an all-time high.

The players

University of Virginia

A public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, which employs the nutrition expert quoted in the article.

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What they’re saying

“More water in GENERAL is good. But whether it's hot or cold doesn't really matter.”

— Nutrition expert

The takeaway

While drinking more water is generally beneficial for health, the claims that hot water provides significantly more benefits than cold water appear to be exaggerated. Consumers should be wary of unsubstantiated health trends promoted on social media and consult with medical professionals for reliable advice.