We’ve all heard at some point that we should “drink more water.” While we know how important it is to stay hydrated, how much H2O do we need to drink? Do we really need to drink at least two liters of water a day? And what temperature should it be? We consulted Dr. Christian Merkel, a dermatologist, allergist and nutritionist, to clear up the debate. “In theory, you should try to drink about 2 to 3 liters of water a day. In medical school, we learn that 30 to 40 milliliters per kilogram of body weight is ideal. For someone who weighs 70 kilograms, that’s about two liters of water a day,” he says. Dr. Merkel goes on to explain that it’s important to remember that a significant portion of this intake is already covered by our diet. Physical activity and heat increase the body’s need for fluids. The expert warns against drinking too much water, as this can lead to a lack of vital salts in the body.

An often overlooked aspect of water consumption is temperature. “In my practice, this topic rarely comes up, but there is actually an optimal water temperature for the body,” says Dr. Merkel. He points out that the temperature of drinking water is particularly important for certain groups of people.

drinking water

“Lukewarm water is ideal,” says Dr. Merkel. The optimal temperature is around 36 degrees Celsius, which corresponds to our body temperature. Very cold drinks first have to be warmed up in the gastrointestinal tract, while very hot drinks can irritate the digestive organs, explains the nutritionist. “In Ayurvedic practice, drinks are therefore always served at 36 degrees. In everyday life, however, room temperature is also acceptable.”

Why is lukewarm water better?

“Lukewarm water is known for its pain-relieving properties, even for migraine sufferers,” advises Dr. Merkel, adding that he strongly advises migraine sufferers not to drink chilled water. Lukewarm water also has a relaxing and digestive effect. “For digestive problems such as constipation, a glass of lukewarm or slightly warmed water first thing in the morning can help relax the gastrointestinal tract, stimulate digestion and boost metabolism,” he explains.

Why is ice cold water not good for us?

Many people instinctively reach for ice-cold water after exercise, in the summer or on vacation. But Dr. Merkel warns against this: “Cold water can irritate the body and also stimulate the sweat glands even more, causing you to lose additional fluids and valuable minerals.”

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