Research Connects Food and Beverage Temperatures to Mental and Digestive Health

Recent research conducted by San Diego State University has revealed that the temperature at which we consume food and beverages can significantly impact our mental well-being and gut health. Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, the study involved over 400 adults from Asian and white populations across the United States. It highlights how traditional Asian medicine’s acknowledgment of hot and cold dietary practices has measurable effects on mental health outcomes and digestive comfort.

The findings showed that among Asian participants, frequent consumption of cold drinks during summer months was linked to heightened anxiety, sleep issues, and a sensation of abdominal fullness. Conversely, white participants who typically drank hot beverages during winter experienced fewer depressive symptoms, better sleep quality, and reduced digestive discomfort.

This investigation is the first of its kind in the U.S. to explicitly associate the temperature of consumed foods and drinks with multiple health parameters, suggesting implications for addressing rising concerns such as anxiety, insomnia, and gastrointestinal problems. "Even simple modifications in the temperature of what we eat and drink can influence health outcomes," stated Tianying Wu, SDSU’s associate professor of epidemiology and the study’s lead author. "Since cold and hot consumption are routine habits, these insights have widespread relevance."

The study utilized data from SDSU’s Healthy Aging Survey, which examines emerging risk factors and disparities in health among U.S. populations. It also identified that individuals reporting 'cold hands'—a potential indicator of poor circulation—were especially affected by cold consumption. Notably, Chinese participants, who tended to consume less cold food and drink, experienced fewer adverse effects, whereas Asian Indian participants showed stronger associations between cold intake and negative health impacts.

Interestingly, these findings align with long-standing practices in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, which advocate moderation in cold consumables. The researchers emphasize that further research, particularly prospective and intervention studies, is needed to understand how these effects vary across different age groups and health conditions, especially among those with circulatory issues.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-links-food-beverage-temperature-mental.html