Sip Or Skip? Exploring The Realities Of Drinking Water During Meals

Do you also feel the urge to drink water during meals? Most of us do it. There are a lot of myths flourishing around the consumption of water during meals. In light of the same, we spoke to Ms. Shlloka Joshii, Classical Hatha Yoga Teacher and Lifestyle Expert. Let’s dive in and burst the underlying myths and learn the real facts associated with the consumption of water during meals. 

Myths And Facts Associated With Drinking Water During Meals

Let's debunk the uinderlying myths aroudn water consumption during meals: 

Myth: Drinking water with meals dilutes digestive juices and impairs digestion.

Fact: This is a common myth, but it's not entirely accurate. Drinking water with meals doesn't significantly dilute digestive juices or impair digestion if you are drinking hot or warm water. In reality, sipping hot/warm water during meals can aid digestion by helping in breaking down food and facilitating nutrient absorption. However, excessive water intake during meals may lead to a premature feeling of fullness, reducing appetite. It's recommended to slowly gulp a maximum of 100 ml of warm water. Please note that drinking cold water or room temperature water will most definitely impair your digestion.

Myth: Drinking water during meals causes bloating.

Fact: While some individuals may experience temporary bloating after consuming water with meals, it's generally not a cause for concern. This sensation of fullness typically dissipates without indicating any serious health issues. However, persistent bloating or discomfort after drinking water with meals may warrant further consideration.

Myth: Drinking water immediately after a meal can aid in weight management.

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, there's no scientific evidence supporting the notion that drinking water (how much water one should drink) immediately after a meal aids in weight management. Some argue that water, being calorie-free, may increase the volume or weight of food in the stomach, leading to prolonged satiety. However, this belief is unfounded. After a meal, the digestive process is at its peak, and adding water may disrupt it, potentially leading to improper digestion and weight gain.

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Myth: Cold water negatively affects digestion by solidifying the fat.

Fact: There's no conclusive evidence suggesting that cold water (room temperature) adversely impacts digestion. While some believe that cold water (steps to lose water weight) solidifies fats in food, which is true for ice cold water, drinking ice cold water solidifies the fat and affects digestion. Thus, drinking cold water is generally considered safe and unlikely to significantly affect digestion.

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Remember to sip, not gulp, water during meals and steer clear of ice-cold water. Optimal hydration involves drinking warm water about 30 minutes before and after meals. 

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