Think Iced Lattes and Colas Cool You Down? May Actually Increase Body Heat and Dehydration

As

temperatures soar during peak summer, and a severe heatwave may be making you feel thirsty and dehydrated all the time, you may instinctively reach for iced coffee, chilled sodas, frozen desserts, and even ice-cold drinks to feel cool and better. The instant cooling sensation may feel refreshing, but experts say these beverages may not cool the body the way most people think. In fact, according to doctors, excessive consumption of sugary iced drinks during extreme heat may sometimes increase internal body heat, worsen dehydration, and place additional stress on digestion.Also read: Recurrent Kidney Stones May Be Linked to Erectile Dysfunction in Men

Why do cold drinks feel instantly refreshing?

Doctors say the cooling sensation from iced beverages gives a good feeling, and you may think your body is cooling down. However, your digestive system goes for a toss. While your body maintains a carefully regulated internal temperature, when extremely cold, sugary beverages enter the system, the body works harder to process them and restore temperature balance. Experts explain that sugary beverages trigger a process called the Thermogenesis effect. Digesting large amounts of sugar requires energy, and this metabolic activity generates heat inside the body as a byproduct. As a result, while the mouth and throat may feel cool briefly, the body may actually begin producing more internal heat during digestion. This effect becomes stronger with drinks containing:

• Excess sugar
• Caffeine
• Artificial syrups
• Fermented ingredients

This means popular summer beverages like iced coffee, sugary sodas, cold coffees, and flavored frappes may not be ideal during extreme heatwaves.

Does iced coffee make you feel hotter?

Surprisingly, doctors say yes - in some cases. Iced Coffee contains caffeine, which acts as a stimulant. Caffeine can increase heart rate, stimulate metabolism, and raise internal heat production. Your body responds to caffeine by becoming more metabolically active, which may make some people feel warmer despite drinking something cold. Similarly, sugary mango-based drinks and desserts may also increase internal heat because high sugar content forces the digestive system to work harder.

Can cold drinks worsen dehydration?

Health experts warn that many cold beverages people consume during summer contain high sugar and caffeine levels, both of which may contribute to dehydration if consumed excessively. Sugary drinks can increase thirst and affect fluid balance, while caffeine may have mild diuretic effects in sensitive individuals. Doctors stress that true cooling happens through proper hydration - not simply through consuming icy foods or drinks.

What helps your body cool down?

Experts recommend prioritizing hydration-friendly foods and drinks that help the body absorb fluids efficiently without overloading digestion. Some healthier summer hydration options include:

Buttermilk

Buttermilk supports digestion, hydration, and gut health while remaining easy on the stomach.

Coconut water

Coconut Water helps replace electrolytes lost through sweating and supports faster hydration.

Cucumber

High water content makes the cucumber an excellent natural cooling food during heatwaves.

Room- temperature water

Doctors say room-temperature water is often absorbed faster because the body does not need to adjust its temperature significantly before processing it. Doctors say iced drinks are not necessarily harmful in moderation, but relying heavily on sugary cold beverages during heatwaves may backfire. The body cools itself mainly through sweating and hydration, not through icy temperatures alone. Experts recommend choosing balanced hydration, electrolyte-rich fluids, and less sugary options to stay safe during extreme summer heat.