Is It Good To Drink Water While Eating?
There are several competing theories as to whether you should drink water while eating. Some claim their interference with digestion; others, that its consumption during meals is completely harmless.
Certain studies also suggest that drinking water could promote weight loss and even prevent uncontrolled ingestion between meals. But what is true in all this?
Water, an indispensable liquid
According to the National Library of Medicine of the United States, water is essential for the functioning of the human body. Its intake allows to regulate body temperature through perspiration and prevents suffering from problems such as constipation, as well as favors the hydration of the organs.
For some time now, a debate has raged around whether it would be good or bad to drink water while eating. Although it is true that the intake of 4 to 6 glasses a day is recommended, there are no conclusive studies that can end the debate around one or another position.
As for its supposed slimming power, the explanation is much simpler. For starters, water is calorie-free. Drinking water before lunch or dinner will fill your stomach and satiate your appetite. In this way, you would be avoiding eating food outside of the established hours.
An American Chemical Society study of Boston carried out in 2013 concluded at the time that the participants of his research who had drank two glasses of water before eating had consumed between 75 and 90% fewer calories than the rest.
On a more global level, it is important to know that water stimulates kidney function and helps balance the water levels of the body. However, caution must be exercised, since an exaggerated intake of this liquid could be harmful to the kidneys, as stated in this study carried out by the Hospital Universitario de Canarias.
What happens in the body when you drink cold water when you eat?
It is believed that drinking very cold water could alter the functioning of the enzymes in the intestine and make digestion more difficult. However, studies in this regard are still not entirely conclusive.
On the other hand, in a study carried out by the Urmia University (Iran) in 2013, for its part, it was concluded that the most recommended temperature for drinking water would be around 16ºC. In fact, the research found that, depending on the temperature of the liquid, the body changes the intensity of sweating, as well as the need for ingestion.
It should be noted that each stomach has its peculiarities, as it happens with each person and with their way of processing what they eat.
Does the same happen if instead of water we drink juices or soft drinks?
Actually, the best liquid to drink is water. However, you can also use natural juices or homemade infusions, as they could be a healthy option to promote hydration.
Keep in mind that choosing to drink soft drinks can be the most harmful option for your health because of the large amount of sugars they contain.
Conclusion
As mentioned before, the most recommended is the intake of between 4 and 6 glasses of water per day, but this can vary depending on multiple factors. In hot weather, in fact, it will be necessary to hydrate much more, since water is lost through sweating.
Likewise, it should not be forgotten that it is also possible to obtain this liquid from certain foods, such as, for example, through fruits. Melon, pineapple, watermelon, mandarin or orange are just some of the most recommended, and they can also be alternated depending on the time of year.
The debate on whether it is good to drink water while eating or not is still standing, since there is still no scientific evidence to settle the question definitively. In any case, it is best to drink the water at a normal temperature, in order to avoid hypothetical setbacks.
Everything will depend on each organism and its reaction, according to the habit to which each particular body is accustomed. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult your doctor, especially if you suffer from any pathology related to the renal system.
