Social media is constantly identifying new “health miracles.” Lemon water was once the trend, followed by “sleepy girl” cocktails and prebiotic sodas. Now, hot water is TikTok’s latest obsession.
Influencers claim that drinking hot water before breakfast speeds up digestion, reduces bloating, and may even aid in weight loss. Some go further, suggesting it creates a “detox effect.”
But is that actually the case?
Experts say the reality is more nuanced.
Traditional Chinese medicine and the Indian Ayurvedic system have recommended drinking warm or hot water in the mornings for thousands of years. This approach suggests that cold beverages slow digestion, although warm beverages help the stomach and intestines function more easily.
Jeff Gould, an acupuncturist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, also notes that this idea is common in traditional medicine. However, evidence remains limited.
A small 2016 study examined 60 patients who had undergone gallbladder surgery. The study showed that patients who drank hot water after surgery passed intestinal gas more quickly. However, no strong conclusion was reached that hot water significantly speeds up bowel movements.
Gastroenterologists at New York University Langone Health, a leading medical center in the U.S., say the digestive system slows down overnight. Any beverage consumed in the morning—whether hot, warm, or cold—stimulates the muscles of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
In other words, it gives the body a “wake-up signal.”
Research from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Faculty also shows that drinking water in the morning helps gain the intestines moving.
However, the frequently cited “detox” claim on social media lacks scientific backing. Kristen Smith, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, reminds us that the liver and kidneys are the organs that cleanse the body of toxins. “Water supports this process, but doesn’t detoxify on its own,” she says.
The picture is similar when it comes to weight loss. If hot water replaces sugary drinks, calorie intake will certainly decrease. But drinking hot water alone has no fat-burning effect.
The most realistic benefit of drinking hot water in the morning is actually quite simple: hydration.
Water is genuinely good for the body. But it’s not a miracle. (Source: The New York Times)
$1000 for a Dog Groom?
In the past, dog grooming meant a bath, nail trimming, and a haircut.
But the world has changed. Especially in America, pet care is now a massive industry.
According to the New York Times, some dog owners now spend tens of thousands of dollars annually.
In Manhattan, one owner pays approximately $11,000 a year to care for four small terrier dogs. Adding special treatments brings the total closer to $14,000.
Some veterinarians have begun offering a special hair care technique called “hand stripping.” This process is lengthy and not every groomer can perform it, driving up prices.
But what’s most striking is this…
Pet care is no longer just about cleanliness; it’s become a “wellness” sector focused on quality of life.
What’s included in some dog care packages today?
A blueberry mask around the eyes,
Salmon oil for skin health,
And even anti-aging peptide treatments in some places.
In short, people have begun applying their own health habits to their dogs.
That’s why the sector is growing.
According to a report by market research firm Future Market Insights, the dog care and wellness sector will reach $19.5 billion in size this year. It’s expected to exceed $46 billion in 2036.
A resident of Washington, D.C., pays $500-700 per month for the care of their poodle. A comprehensive grooming package once a year costs a full $1000. Yes, you read that right. A single dog haircut costs 35-40 thousand TL.
As prices rise, Americans have begun looking for solutions in other countries. Some are even taking their dogs abroad for grooming. A tourist boom is occurring in Serbia, where a dog haircut costs $20 and a dental cleaning (with anesthesia) costs $100.
Some California residents are taking their dogs to Tijuana, Mexico. A haircut there costs $40.
Another American had a thought… “If I paid a groomer, I’d be living under a bridge,” and began clipping their poodle themselves after buying a machine. But the machine cost $500, and grooming the dog took half a day…
People now see their pets not just as animals, but as family members. That’s why spending is increasing rapidly.
Thinking about all these figures, I couldn’t help but reflect.
I used to capture our Oscar to the groomer every six months because it was expensive. I’ve even had my share of scolding from my wife after attempting to trim our poor poodle myself with a machine.
I won’t complain about the groomer’s prices anymore after hearing New York rates.
