Can you drink water while eating?
Many people have different ideas about drinking water while eating. Some claim that it is harmful, while others claim that it is not harmful, but beneficial.
But how is it? Can you drink water while eating?
Water, which makes up 70% of the human body and half of the brain, is a real source of life. Dehydration has a negative effect on the functioning of almost all organs. Therefore, it is imperative to increase water consumption to the required level regardless of meals or other times.
Most people believe that drinking water with a meal weakens stomach acid and slows the breakdown of proteins. In fact, since water does not have a serious effect on digestive juices, it is a misconception that it interferes with digestion.
According to scientists, the digestion process begins in the brain, not in the stomach. When a person thinks about food, saliva is secreted. When chewing food, it mixes with the enzymes in the saliva. Later, gastric juice is added to the process.
It takes at least 3-4 hours for the food to be completely digested. After the water enters the stomach, it stays there for only 10-15 minutes. During this period, it is impossible for water to weaken enzymes and prevent digestion.
On the contrary, it is more useful to drink water during meals. Thus, water does not weaken the gastric juice and enzymes, but rather helps speed up the process. The body already secretes the necessary amount of fluid to digest food, and water prevents the body from becoming dehydrated.
Another benefit of drinking water while eating is that it allows us to take a break from eating. These breaks cause us to feel satiety faster and the heaviness in the stomach is prevented.
Drink clean water, stay healthy!
