Here’s Why You Should Never Drink Water With Your Meals! I Didn’t Know This Until Now
Almost every doctor and nutritionist insists on one fundamental rule: chew your food thoroughly—ideally around 80 times, but at least 30 times. While this advice might sound simple, most people find counting chews tedious and tiresome. So, instead of focusing on the number, many rely on a more practical signal to know when to swallow: the moment the food reaches a liquid consistency. However, to speed up this process, many tend to wash down their meals with water—a habit that can actually be very harmful to your digestive health.
Why is drinking water with meals such a bad idea? The answer lies in how our body’s digestive system works, beginning with the role of saliva. Saliva contains enzymes, primarily amylase, which start breaking down starches and certain proteins right in your mouth. Additionally, secretions from other salivary glands under your jaw and tongue help moisten food, making it easier to form a soft bolus, which then smoothly passes down the esophagus to your stomach. This process is crucial because the food needs to be broken down into manageable particles and coated properly to protect the lining of your esophagus and stomach from harsh digestive enzymes.
When you drink water during your meal, you dilute these powerful enzymes and the natural acids in your stomach that break down food. This can interfere with the digestive process, preventing your body from efficiently breaking down nutrients. As a result, large pieces of inadequately chewed food reach your stomach, which can lead to fermentation and putrefaction—creating an environment that fosters gas, bloating, and discomfort. Worse still, this incomplete digestion diminishes your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, meaning you might be eating well but still feeling nutritionally deprived.
Chewing food properly has other important benefits. When you chew thoroughly, your saliva mixes thoroughly with food, not only aiding digestion but also activating your digestive juices and hormones that signal your stomach to prepare for incoming food. Drinking water with your meals short-circuits this natural process by washing away saliva and diluting gastric juices, which can lead to indigestion and slower metabolism.
Dietitians often recommend not only chewing solid foods well but also “chewing” liquids like milk, yogurt, tea, juices, and even water by holding them in your mouth briefly before swallowing. This simple practice ensures that your saliva mixes properly with these liquids, kickstarting the digestive process and making it easier for your body to absorb their nutrients.
Another important point is the size of the bites you take. Large chunks of food tend to remain in the stomach longer and ferment, which produces harmful toxins and gases. This can trigger symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and gas, and even promote conditions such as acid reflux and indigestion. Over time, poor digestion can contribute to chronic inflammation and weaken the immune system.
A healthy digestive system depends on the proper breakdown of food in the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Each nutrient—from carbohydrates and proteins to fats—requires specific enzymes and acids at different stages to be absorbed effectively. By drinking water while eating, you dilute these enzymes and acids, making digestion less efficient and potentially harming your gut health.
About Kop.ge — Your Guide to Health and Wellness
The website Kop.ge is a great resource dedicated to offering practical advice on health, personal care, and everyday tasks. Our mission is to provide you with natural remedies and recipes that help improve your health, boost your beauty, and simplify your daily routines. The best part? You can do it all at home, enjoy the process, and save a significant amount of money.
Many tips and recipes shared on Kop.ge become part of your daily routine, and you can pass on these valuable insights to your friends and family, helping even more people lead healthier and easier lives. Kop.ge proves that you don’t need expensive products or procedures to be healthy, beautiful, and an excellent homemaker. With simple natural ingredients available in your kitchen or garden, you can achieve amazing results.
How to Incorporate This Knowledge Into Your Daily Life
Next time you sit down for a meal, try to resist the urge to gulp down water alongside your food. Instead, focus on chewing thoroughly, enjoying each bite, and allowing your saliva to do its work. If you feel thirsty during a meal, take small sips of water between bites rather than with them. This practice supports better digestion and reduces bloating and discomfort.
Also, consider “chewing” your liquids by holding them briefly in your mouth before swallowing to activate saliva production. This simple habit can make a big difference, especially if you consume dairy products, herbal teas, or juices regularly.
Finally, be mindful of portion sizes and avoid taking overly large bites. Eating slowly and chewing well not only improves digestion but also helps you recognize your body’s fullness signals, which may assist in weight management.
Is It Safe to Avoid Water During Meals?
It’s important to note that drinking water itself is not harmful—in fact, staying hydrated is crucial. The key is timing. Drinking water between meals is excellent for hydration and overall health, but drinking large amounts with meals can interfere with digestion.
If you have specific health conditions like acid reflux, indigestion, or irritable bowel syndrome, avoiding water during meals might be especially beneficial. However, always consult your healthcare provider if you experience persistent digestive issues or discomfort.
In Summary
Chewing food thoroughly (at least 30–80 times per bite) helps mix saliva enzymes with food, which is essential for proper digestion.
Drinking water with meals dilutes digestive enzymes and stomach acids, impairing digestion and nutrient absorption.
Large, poorly chewed bites can cause fermentation, gas, and digestive discomfort.
Drinking water between meals is encouraged, but avoid washing down food with water.
“Chewing” liquids like milk, juice, or tea by holding them briefly in your mouth can improve digestion.
Slow, mindful eating supports better digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.
By changing this simple habit—avoiding water during meals—you can significantly improve your digestive health, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being. It’s a small but powerful step toward a healthier you, and it’s something you can start practicing today!
Disclaimer: The advice in this article is informational and not a substitute for professional medical consultation. If you have any health concerns, please consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
