Should You Avoid Drinking Water at Mealtimes?   

Separating Myth from Science on Hydration and Digestion.                                            Recently, a woman on ABC Radio was insisting that we should  not drink water for half an hour before or after meals. She said water dilutes the gastric juices. I thought the idea sounded plausible but wondered if it was supported by scientific research.  She sounded very knowledgeable and very adamant. Her main argument was that water, when consumed close to mealtime, dilutes the stomach’s gastric juices—primarily hydrochloric acid and enzymes. This, in theory, could make it harder for the stomach to break down food, leading to poorer digestion or discomfort.                                                                                                                                                                           What Does the Science Say? Scientific research does not support the notion that drinking water before, during, or after meals, is harmful or disrupts digestion. In fact, the Science says water plays a helpful role in the digestive process. The stomach is far more sophisticated than the radio lady’s claim.      It automatically adjusts the stomach’s acidity, even if you drink water with meals. The stomach’s cells constantly monitor acidity and maintain the ideal ph levels at around 1.5 to 2.5 to promote good digestion. How clever!                                                                                                                                                                              Does drinking water slow digestion? No, it does not! Liquids empty from the stomach much faster than solids and research does not show that adding water slows the digestive process. The research shows that drinking water 30 minutes before a meal helps regulate appetite so that you eat less and it supports digestion. Water during a meal helps moisten the food and aids digestion.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The Bottom Line. Be very wary of unverified expert opinions! Even when they are expressed confidently by an “expert”. Remember, someone once described an Expert as “A drip under pressure”.

 Drinking water before and after meals is safe and normal. It does not dilute the gastric juices and it is   actually beneficial to digestion.   

 So, drink up. Drinking water is good at any time.                                                                                         The really good news is that further  research revealed   that 85% to 95% of wine and beer is…WATER   A glass of Gin and Tonic is 90% WATER.                                                                                                     As they say… Bottoms Up… and Good Health!