Is it Bad to Drink Water in Between Your Meal?

Is it good to drink water in between your meals? We cannot sit through our meal without having a glass of water. Water is important, especially when we are having our meals and drinking a few sips in between is absolutely fine.

However, we all believe drinking water between meals can be inappropriate, and we should avoid it. Research states that drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before or after a meal is advisable. So if drinking water before and after a meal is healthy, how can drinking water in between your meals be considered unhealthy?

Drinking Water During Meals: Myths & Facts

Water is good for the skin, regulates bowel movement and aids digestion. Drinking 2 litres of water is recommended, and if it is summer, at least 3 litres per day is recommended.

The blog will burst certain myths and facts about drinking water between your meals.

Claim: Drinking water while eating can prevent your body from absorbing nutrients

We tend to think that when we drink water in between meals, the body will not be able to absorb the nutrients properly. However, it is not fully true, and research states that refraining from drinking water in between meals can lead to serious health complications.

Studies and experts say: No evidence of negative impact from drinking water with a meal

Research study states that there is no proper evidence that drinking water between meals can prevent the body from absorbing nutrients. Additionally, there is no evidence that states drinking water will interfere with digestion or dilute the digestive juices.

It eases digestion and breaks down food so that the body can absorb the nutrients. Water helps soften the stools and prevents constipation.

A research paper publsihed in the journal “ Clinical Nuclear Medicine”, consuming liquids along with meals does not affect the rate at which the solids clear from the stomach. Drinking water helps with digestion and prevents bloating.

Sipping water between your meals can help with overeating and smoothens digestion.

Drinking water while eating can provide benefits

Drinking water in between your meals can help with digestion and provides other benefits.

Sipping water while eating can help with weight loss. The habit can calm the hunger hormones and give a fullness, preventing overeating.

Even after a heavy meal, adequate water consumption is recommended to ease the digestion of food.

So when eating your meals, drink water without having a double thought. It helps with digestion, prevents bloating, reduces calorie intake, and softens the stools.

3 Myths of Drinking Water While Eating

Some of the common myths people believe is true,

Myth 1: It Hampers Your Digestion

When we drink water between our meals, our mothers raise their voices first to say not to drink water. People also believe drinking water reduces the saliva in the mouth, which can impact the release of enzymes and digestive juices. This can have an impact on the digestion process.

The claim is not true, and research studies state that drinking water can help with digestion and reduces the load of enzymes and digestive juices. So always sip water when you consume meals.

Myth 2: It Negatively Affects Saliva Production

Water is not the only liquid that is consumed during meals. Some tend to have alcoholic drinks during meals. Having alcoholic drinks during meals can negatively affect saliva production and makes it difficult for the food to digest.

However, having water does not have any negative effects and only increases saliva production. It also speeds up the digestion process and prevents bloating.

Myth 3: Liquids Speed Up Stomach Emptying

The myth states that drinking water with meals will reduce the time the food is in contact with the digestive juices and enzymes. This can lead to poor digestion.

The truth is liquid does not affect solid foods in the digestive process. However, the liquid passes through the stomach more easily than solid foods. These liquids will not affect how the stomach digests solid foods.

Benefits of Drinking Water While Eating

The myths about drinking water are busted. Some of the common health benefits are listed below.

Water Aids Digestion

Drinking water in between your meals will help the digestion process. Water helps break down the food and absorb the nutrients fully.

Water Helps Curb Weight Gain

Drinking water in between your meals will help with overeating. This can prevent you from adding extra calories.

Conclusion

No significant evidence states that drinking water in between your meals has a negative effect. Water helps with digestion and prevents bloating.

Refraining from drinking water between your meals can cause certain health issues. People with GERD should avoid drinking water in between meals.

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