Is Drinking Water During Meals Harmful? Insights from a Nutrition Specialist

Many of us have heard the advice to avoid drinking water during meals and to wait until after we've finished eating. But is this really necessary? Dr. Maya Rosman, a nutrition expert, sheds light on when to drink and the health implications of doing so while eating.

According to Dr. Rosman, there is no reason for healthy individuals to be concerned about drinking water during meals. A healthy person's digestive system contains enough acids and enzymes for digestion, so even if you drink during a meal, the digestive acids remain effective. In fact, your body can adjust to the dilution of food with liquids and still provide all the necessary digestive acids and enzymes to break it down.

However, for those who suffer from digestive issues such as reflux, heartburn, diarrhea, or intestinal inflammation, Dr. Rosman recommends avoiding drinking water during meals. The reason is that food mixed with liquids can move back up the digestive tract, increasing discomfort and potentially worsening conditions like diarrhea.

Moreover, Dr. Rosman has previously mentioned that some foods contain a large amount of liquid, such as soup. From the body's perspective, consuming soup isn’t much different from drinking water during a meal, as it’s rich in liquids alongside its nutritious ingredients.

In conclusion, while most healthy individuals have no issues with drinking water during meals, those with digestive problems might benefit from separating their eating and drinking.