Some Eastern medicine practitioners believe drinking cold water after eating can cause digestive or immune system problems. However, some Western medical doctors believe drinking water after meals might be helpful. None of these claims have been proven, so whether you drink cold water after a meal should depend mainly on how it makes you feel.
Digestion
According to Ayurvedic author and practitioner Dr. Vasant Lad, drinking cold water after a meal has adverse effects on your digestive system. Lad also warns against drinking cold water immediately before a meal. If you have to drink water while you eat, drink water that's at room temperature and take small sips.
Mucus Building
Drinking cold water after a meal creates excess mucus in your body, according to Lad. Excessive mucus in your body can lead to a decrease in immune system function, making it easier to catch colds and illnesses. Lad recommends drinking warm tea in place of cold water at meals to avoid mucus buildup.
Contradicting Opinions
While most people in the alternative health field believe drinking cold water is unhealthful in general, the viewpoint of Western health practitioners is opposite. According to Dr. Michael Picco, drinking water after a meal does not interfere with digestion. In fact, Picoo believes drinking water after a meal can assist in digestion. He says water helps break down the food in the stomach making it easier to digest.
Additional Cautions and Considerations
If you are going to drink cold water after meals, try not to drink it too quickly. Take slow sips and avoid chewing on ice. Eat each of your meals in a calm environment and chew each bite slowly. Observe how your body feels when you drink cold water after eating and when you don't.
References
- "Ayurveda, The Science of Self Healing"; Dr. Vasant Lad; 1984
- "Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy;" Mukunda Stiles; 2007
- Yoga Journal: Check Your Fluid Levels
- MayoClinic.com: Water After Meals
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