Reality of what happens when you drink hot water as 'health hack' goes viral

It seems like every man and his dog is starting the day off with a mug of hot water at the minute.

The so-called wellness hack is currently taking social media users by storm - and apparently, it really gets things going in the bathroom.

Instead of reaching for a trusty cup of coffee, many people are now sticking the kettle on and boiling water for their morning beverage.

Consuming warm water on an empty stomach supposedly brings about a host of health benefits, including 'aiding your digestion'.

But as it sounds too good to be true, a lot of people have been questioning how well this trick actually works.

What is the hot water 'health hack'?

As health hacks go, this one is really quite simple.

People have been consuming a mug of hot water on an empty stomach for the supposed health benefits it brings (Getty Stock Images)

All you have to do is consume hot water - which has obviously been cooled to a temperature you can handle - on an empty stomach.

Loads of TikTok users have been taking part in the 'trend' and have shared their results online, hence why this ridiculously plain concoction is currently going viral.

And since it has got social media users in a chokehold, medics have also been sharing their thoughts on the hot water hype.

Dr Kunal Sood is one of the experts who has chimed in on the debate surrounding the hack and the supposed benefits that it brings.

What health benefits does the hack supposedly bring?

According to Dr Sood, we should all be glugging this mundane drink in the morning.

In a TikTok video, he explained that doing so can 'improve your digestion' by helping you dissolve food that your body might normally struggle to break down, while also easing constipation.

Drinking warm water can temporarily boost your metabolism too, Dr Sood said.

"This is because your body will work to bring the warm water to your body's temperature," he claimed in the clip. "This slight increase in metabolic rate can help when you're trying to burn calories."

Dr Sood also claimed that beginning the day with this beverage can improve circulation and blood flow around your body, because 'it will dilate your blood vessels'.

Social media users have claimed that it also has a 'detoxifying effect' on them, while providing some intense hydration - as well as gushing over the fact it's a cheap, easy drink to make when your eyes are still half shut.

According to Healthline, drinking hot water can also relieve nasal congestion, may improve the function of your central nervous system, reduce shivering and lower stress levels.

Dr Sood claims this drink helps aid digestion (Getty Stock Image)

Does the hot water 'hack' actually work?

It's difficult to determine how successful this hot water hack really is, as people have reported varying results when sharing their experiences online.

However, we can look at the science behind it to help us understand whether it's actually having an impact on our health.

Dietitian and nutrition expert Mary Lou Perry previously delved into the myths and facts surrounding the warm water trend in an article for the University of Virginia (UVA) Health System.

For starts, she reckons that the temperature of the liquid doesn't really matter, as 'there is limited scientific evidence comparing warm water to cool water', so it really is just down to preference.

How hot the water is also doesn't impact how well it helps your body supposedly 'flush out toxins', as your liver and kidneys are actually responsible for this - however, these organs might still enjoy the extra hydration.

It seems that a mug of hot water a day probably won't keep the doctor away, though (Getty Stock Image)

Perry went on to say that warm water can help some people with their digestion, however, she wouldn't exactly say that it 'improves' the digestion process on the whole.

Once again, it's more about the extra hydration your body is getting.

The nutrition guru also said that hot water won't boost your metabolism - as this is regulated by your hormones, consumed calories and physical activity, rather than a warm drink.

And Perry even poo pooed the idea that sipping hot water in the morning can improve circulation.

She explained that because it has already cooled down by the time it reaches your stomach, there is 'hardly any warmth left to widen your blood vessels'.

All in all, the hot water hack sounds like a harmless way to feel healthier - but it appears you shouldn't expect to see insane results with this one.