Drinking Water while eating

I had someone tell me over the weekend that I shouldn't be drinking water during my meals or at least no more than 6 ounces. Did some checking on the web today and this is one webpage I found that talked about it.

I found this at: http://www.herdaily.com/health/3996/drinking-water-while-your-eating-is-a.html

It's very common that people drink water between their meals but research has said that a small amount of liquid during meals should be okay but drinking a lot of water, juice, or soda can cause digestion problems. Drinking water and other fluids can cause dilution of stomach acids and digestive enzymes, making them less effective at breaking down food. Whenever possible, it is best to drink fluids before and two hours after meals as this helps uptake of nutrients and move bowels. Reducing the amount of salt and spices added to foods is helpful in reducing the need to drink fluids with meals.
drinking while eating

Effects of Drinking water during meal:

Liquids taken during meals can dilute digestive enzymes and stomach acids and these are essential to break down the food and absorb nutrients. As it's harder to break down the food, the stomach may produce more acids, which could result in heartburn or acid reflux. This could possible put more pressure on the small intestines as well because the food is passed along from the stomach without being broken enough.

Drinking lots of water during meals can affect the insulin level in the blood. When people drink lots of water during meals, it's believed that it increases the blood sugar faster - as if we eat high glycemic index food* - and it increases insulin secretory as well. The more insulin is released, the more fat it's likely to store in the body. Because the reserve of the liver and the muscles are limited, the more fat is generated.

Constipation and Gas problem.

eating while watching tv

Why we want to drink water while eating: We must know the fact that we feel our mouth is just so darn dry while eating, that forces us to drink water. Our mouth gets dry due to:

stressed while you eat as stress stops mouth secretions
eating in a rush,
not being aware while you are eating
Secretory glands not functioning well due to drinking during meals [conditioned not to secrete as mouth is already moist]

Once you get control over yourself and stop drinking water between the meals your secretory glands will regain proper function.

In case you are not able to train yourself and can't avoid drinking during meals then:

avoid cold drinks
drink warm or hot teas
avoid milk during meals

Correct method of eating for optimal health:

Chew your food properly until it gets liquid as tremendous burden is taken off of the stomach and intestines and also allows powerful digestive enzymes in saliva to thoroughly mix with food.
Minimize drinking water and other fluids while eating.
Avoid physical exertion following meals.
Eat with a grateful heart. Neurophysiologists have found that people who eat with a sense of gratitude for their food experience more efficient and complete digestion than those who eat while distracted by an external entity like TV.

So get ready for your next meal and place the glass of water away from you. Have a healthy food in a healthy manner.

Good information!