We all enjoy a cold drink on a hot day or some fresh sashimi at dinner. Ice cream, iced coffee, salads straight from the fridge — they're part of our daily life.

But have you ever felt stomach discomfort after eating something too cold? While cold or raw foods might taste refreshing, eating too much of them may not be great for our body. Let's look into what really happens when we go overboard with cold and raw food.

Our stomach prefers warmth

Our digestive system works best at body temperature. When we eat cold or raw food, we actually make the stomach work harder to warm up the food before digesting it. Over time, this can slow down digestion and cause issues like bloating, gas, and even stomach cramps. If we're already someone with a sensitive tummy, too much cold food can make it worse.

It may affect our appetite

Ever noticed that after having a super cold smoothie or iced soda, you suddenly don't feel like eating anymore? That's because cold food can weaken our digestive fire — it literally cools things down inside. This can cause a drop in appetite and might even lead to a feeling of heaviness or fullness, even when we haven't eaten much.

Cold food may upset our stomach

When we eat a lot of raw salads, uncooked vegetables, cold noodles, or straight-from-the-fridge leftovers, our stomach may start to feel uneasy. The symptoms can show up as loose stools, stomachache, or irregular digestion. Raw food also contains more natural bacteria, which can be risky if not handled or stored properly — especially in seafood and meat.

So even if we love sushi, it's smart to enjoy it at clean, trusted places and in small amounts.

It might mess with our circulation

Some of us may notice that after eating too many cold things, our hands and feet feel colder than usual. That's because cold food may affect blood flow and body warmth. In traditional views of health, eating too much cold or raw food can lead to a state of internal “coldness,” which may cause fatigue, cold limbs, or even irregular monthly cycles in women. While this isn't always backed by modern science, many people do notice these changes.

It's worse when our body is tired

When we're already low on energy, like after a long day or when we haven't been sleeping well, our digestion naturally slows down. If we eat cold or raw food at this time, it's like adding more burden to an already tired system. We may feel sluggish, heavy, or even catch a chill more easily.

Should we give up cold food entirely?

No, not at all! It's okay to enjoy cold foods in moderation — especially in hot weather. But we can be more mindful about how much and when we eat them:

• Try not to eat cold food first thing in the morning.

• Avoid ice-cold drinks with every meal.

• Don't combine too many raw foods in one sitting — like cold salad + cold dessert + iced drink.

• If you're feeling tired, switch to warm, cooked foods to help your body recover.

Simple ways to balance things out

If we still want to enjoy a cold treat now and then, here are some easy tips:

• Pair a cold dish with warm soup or tea.

• Warm up raw veggies slightly before eating.

• Let refrigerated food sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.

• Chew slowly — it helps your body process cold food better.

Let's be kind to our stomach

At the end of the day, our stomach takes care of us — let's return the favor. We don't need to quit cold or raw foods completely, but finding the right balance is the key to long-term comfort and better digestion. A little mindfulness goes a long way.

Lykkers, do you eat a lot of cold food?

Tell us — do you love iced drinks all year round? Or have you ever felt sick after a cold meal? Have you tried switching to warm food and noticed a difference? We'd love to hear how cold food affects your daily life and any tricks you use to stay comfortable!