Drinking water while eating: good or bad idea?

If good hydration is essential, can drinking during meals be the cause of health problems? Whether digestive or otherwise? Answers from nutritionist Nina Cohen-Koubi.

For years, we can read everywhere that it is essential to drink enough water . 1.5 liters per day is often what is indicated for good hydration. Water helps, remember, to avoid headaches, lack of concentration, dry skin, pain in tendons or joints, or sometimes even irritability.

During meals, it happens that some are reluctant to refill their glass of water, for fear of experiencing bloating or swelling of the stomach. A myth that does not reflect any scientific reality . "You have to drink an average of 10 glasses of water a day to be properly hydrated. But drinking while eating doesn't change anything...obviously, provided you're content with still water, because sparkling water can indeed give the sensation of swell. The digestive system adapts, and one or two glasses of water do not change anything", explains doctor Nina Cohen-Koubi Nutritionist doctor in Paris.

Drinking while eating: what are the benefits?

This reflex can even be interesting because the water allows the food bolus to soften, which facilitates digestion . Not to mention that the appetite suppressant effect has the advantage of regulating or calming the sharpest appetites. In addition, putting down your cutlery to drink requires you to take a break between each bite, thus slowing down the mechanics of the meal. And eating slower not only aids digestion, but fills you up faster. A plus that can be considered by all those who pay attention to their line. Indeed, on this point, the fact of drinking indicates to the brain that the stomach will be sufficiently filled, which will increase satiety .and lead to stopping eating faster than without drinking.

"Besides, if you want to eat less in terms of quantities, drinking two glasses of water before eating is a wise reflex because water has an undeniable appetite suppressant effect", continues the nutritionist. This is obviously better than indulging in untimely snacking .

Waters that aid digestion

Let's say it again, we're talking about plain water only . If you have the choice, it is better to opt for water rich in calcium and magnesium because they help in better digestion. Carbonated water, especially if you are frequently prone to bloating, should be avoided. This type of drink tends to increase the amount of air in the stomach. Finally, it is recommended to avoid drinking ice water because digestion may be affected.