The Prophet ﷺ used to drink honey mixed with cold water, which is of a benefit in preserving health that only the greatest physicians know. Drinking this mixture or sipping it on an empty stomach melts the lymph, washes the fine linings of the stomach, clears it of its mucus, pushes out the excesses, warms it in moderation, and releases its blockages. Moreover, it has the same effect on the liver, kidneys and bladder. It is more beneficial to the stomach than any other sweet thing that enters it, and it is only harmful to bilious people, because of its acidity and that of the bile, though this can be remedied by consuming vinegar.
The drink that combines sweetness and coolness nourishes and allows food to reach the organs.
Cold, moist water overcomes heat, maintains the body's essential moisture, provides a substitute for what has broken down, dilutes food and allows it to pass into the veins.
Water mixed with a sweet food such as dates, raisins, honey or natural sugar is among the most beneficial things for the body. A drink should be good for one's health, and sodas and other overly sweet drinks are bad for the body. The Prophet's ﷺ preferred drink was cool, sweet water, whereas lukewarm water makes the belly swell and causes agitation in the opposite way.
Furthermore, it is the Sunnah to drink while sitting, and this is better for one's health than drinking while standing.
Moreover, there are authentic hadiths forbidding drinking while standing.
What the science says: coffee, tea and sugar, reflux and the stomach
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for the sake of context — studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Coffee, tea and sugar
An umbrella review in the BMJ concludes that moderate coffee consumption (3-4 cups) is generally associated with favorable effects, except during pregnancy (BMJ, 2017) (Annu Rev Nutr, 2017); conversely, sugary drinks clearly increase the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome (Diabetes Care, 2010). Precaution: coffee and tea block iron absorption — keep them away from iron-rich meals; avoid caffeine after 3 p.m. if you have sleep trouble.
Reflux and the stomach
Gastroesophageal reflux responds first to lifestyle habits: light meals eaten early, raising the head of the bed, a healthy weight, quitting smoking, less coffee and fat (JAMA, 2020) (Ther Clin Risk Manag, 2021); plants used in traditional medicine (licorice, chamomile, ginger) have been evaluated for dyspepsia (Curr Drug Discov Technol, 2021). Precaution: licorice raises blood pressure; persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss should be investigated.
