You must have heard the advice not to drink water while eating, or shortly before eating, because it is harmful to the digestive process. Is this true?
Where did the advice not to drink water while eating come from?
The theory behind this claim is that drinking water shortly before or during a meal dilutes digestive juices.
This, in turn, is claimed to interfere with proper digestion of food, impairing nutrient absorption.
It's also supposed to slow stomach emptying, leaving you uncomfortably bloated, according to a report in the Washington Post.
"I looked into the issue and learned that it was completely wrong," the report quoted dietician Tamara Ducker-Freeman as saying.
Does water dilute with food from the digestive juices?
No, the idea that water would dilute the digestive juices in the stomach is incorrect, as water is absorbed in the stomach, fairly quickly, usually within about 20 minutes.
This means that any potential relief will be transient.
Does water hinder the activity of digestive enzymes?
No, enzymes stick to food particles regardless of the presence of water.
Does water with food affect stomach acids?
No, Freeman said that water will not affect the acidity of the stomach, while anything you consume - food or drink - will make your stomach temporarily less acidic, as it responds by producing as much of the acid you need to digest that meal.
Does water slow down the movement of food from the stomach to the intestines?
No, the belief that water slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach and into the small intestine is contrary to science.
Studies indicate that drinking water with a meal does not affect the rate of stomach emptying, and your stomach does not differentiate between a drinkable meal such as juices and the same ingredients that are eaten complete with liquids that you drink next to the meal, such as juice with a cheese sandwich, and both take the same time to digest. .
Does drinking water with eating cause bloating?
Debbie Vetter, assistant professor of nutrition education at the University of California, Davis, told USA TODAY that there is no research showing that drinking water while eating is harmful, and said that it can actually prevent bloating and aid in digestion. .
Drinking water "helps to slow down the eating process and create a smoother digestion process," Vetter said. Taking sips of fluids while eating can also help people not overeat.
For her part, weight loss expert Ilana Muhlstein spoke about the role of drinking water in calming hormones and helping you feel full.
Does drinking fluids cause digestive problems?
Drinking enough fluids daily offers many benefits, according to Healthline.
Liquids help break down large pieces of food, making it easier for them to slide down your esophagus and into your stomach.
They also help move food around smoothly, preventing bloating and constipation.
Furthermore, your stomach secretes water, along with stomach acid and digestive enzymes, during digestion, and this water is necessary to promote the proper function of these enzymes.
Does drinking water with food affect the absorption of nutrients?
According to Dr. Michael F.
Beko from Mayoclinic Drinking water during or after a meal helps break down and digest food so that your body can absorb the nutrients.
Another benefit of water
Water makes stools softer, which helps prevent constipation, so if possible, choose water instead of sugary drinks.
In summary, contrary to advice, drinking water during meals can actually aid digestion, particularly during the chewing and swallowing phases, as it can help soften food and move it into the esophagus.
Moisturizing in general also helps keep stools soft and moving through the intestines.