The concepts of cold-dampness and phlegm described in Donguibogam align closely with modern medical understanding of our physiological responses. When cold water is consumed abruptly or in large quantities, the body activates protective mechanisms and enters an emergency state.
The autonomic nervous system reacts first. As cold water travels down the esophagus into the stomach, the body senses the sudden temperature drop and initiates a stress response. Within the autonomic nervous system, the sympathetic nerve is stimulated, momentarily constricting blood vessels around the digestive organs. Much like the way the body redirects blood to essential survival organs during an emergency, it reduces the blood supply to the digestive tract. With impaired circulation, gastrointestinal motility declines and the activity of digestive enzymes decreases. Because enzymes function best within a specific temperature range, cold water disrupts this optimal state and slows food breakdown. Undigested food then lingers in the gut longer, leading to bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
A cold environment also negatively affects the gut microbiome. Countless beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria maintain a delicate balance in the gut, and proper temperature is critical for their survival and activity. A sudden influx of cold water alters the intestinal environment, suppressing beneficial bacteria and creating favorable conditions for harmful bacteria to multiply. As this microbial balance breaks down, decreased immunity and increased intestinal permeability can raise the risk of leaky gut syndrome. When the intestinal barrier becomes permeable, incompletely digested proteins and toxins may enter the bloodstream, triggering a systemic inflammatory response. This can lead to various concerns such as allergies, skin problems, and chronic fatigue.
Cold water also irritates the gastric mucosa, causing irregular gastric acid secretion and worsening gastritis or enteritis. Habitual cold water intake places continuous stress on the digestive organs, which may result in chronic hypofunction. Rather than viewing this as a simple, passing upset stomach, it should be recognized as a habit that can disrupt fundamental digestive function and the immune system. A summer stomachache may seem minor, but our delicate internal systems react sensitively even to a single glass of cold water. It is important to pay attention to the distress signals sent by our organs.
