Have you ever been told not to drink water immediately after a meal? It may seem like odd advice, but there are several reasons why you might want to give your body some time before you reach for the water bottle. Let’s explore the reasons behind this advice and its implications for your digestive health.

1. Can Dilute Gastric Juices

When you eat, your stomach produces gastric juices — a mix of hydrochloric acid, enzymes, and water — that break down the food so your body can absorb the nutrients. According to experts, drinking water immediately after eating can dilute these gastric juices. Consequently, it can slow down the digestion process, leading to bloating, indigestion, and discomfort.

2. May Lead to Increased Acid Reflux

If you’re prone to acid reflux, drinking water right after a meal might exacerbate your symptoms. Here’s why: after eating, your stomach is filled with food and gastric juices. Adding a lot of water to this mix can cause the stomach to distend further, putting pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscle keeps stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. If the LES is forced open, stomach acid can reflux into the esophagus, causing the uncomfortable burning sensation known as heartburn.

3. Disrupts the Natural Sugar Absorption Process

When you consume a meal, especially one high in carbohydrates, your body works to break down the sugars and starches into glucose. This glucose is then absorbed into your bloodstream, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. In fact, drinking water immediately after a meal can interfere with the natural absorption of these sugars, causing blood sugar levels to spike and crash, which may lead to feelings of fatigue and hunger.

4. Alters the Balance of Saliva

Saliva is crucial in the initial stages of digestion as it contains enzymes that help break down food. It also helps soften the food, making it easier to swallow. Some studies suggest that drinking water immediately after a meal can dilute the saliva, reducing its effectiveness and disrupting the digestion process.

5. May Cause Feelings of Fullness

While drinking water before a meal can help control portion sizes by making you feel fuller faster, drinking water immediately after a meal can create an uncomfortable sensation of fullness. This could potentially lead to indigestion and discomfort.

So, When Should You Drink Water?

While it’s crucial to stay hydrated, it’s best to avoid drinking large quantities of water immediately after meals. Instead, aim to drink water 20 to 30 minutes before a meal to aid digestion or 1-2 hours after a meal to allow the body to absorb the nutrients efficiently. Remember, everyone’s body is different, so it’s important to listen to your body’s cues and do what feels right for you.

Further Reading: What Happens to Your Body If You Don’t Drink Water All Day