Opinions about whether or not to drink fluids during meals vary greatly. Advocates of drinking during meals feel that it is helpful to the digestive process, and opponents of drinking during meals claim just the opposite. Regardless of the camp that you subscribe to, it is advisable to follow your doctor's advice if you are unsure of which action to take.
Alternative Schools of Thought
According to "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," Aryvedic practitioners believe that drinking while eating is not only unnecessary but even harmful. The idea is that natural digestive juices are the perfect pH balance for breaking down food nutrients. When these juices are diluted, the stomach is not able to digest food properly. Additionally, it is thought that drinking with a meal causes people to chew less thoroughly, which places greater demand on the stomach and digestive tract. According to MayoClinic.com, there are no studies to conclusively confirm these ideas, but alternative practitioners and doctors often advise their patients to avoid drinking during meals and instead encourage room-temperature beverage consumption no more than 20 minutes before or after a meal.
Hypochlorhydria
When the human body produces too little hydrochloric acid, a condition called hypochlorhydria, mixing stomach acid with an abundance of liquids during a meal may contribute to stomach discomfort and indigestion. This condition is most commonly suffered by older people and those who have low levels of saliva. Naturopathic physician Dr. J. Pizzorno states that many alternative practitioners believe that the consumption of fluids during meals increases this problem, while traditional medical doctors usually advise that implementing some light fluid intake during meals can help to break down food for less digestive upset. Regardless of opinions, it is important for persons with this condition to pay attention to proper chewing time so that the stomach does not receive the full burden of digestion.
Allopathic Considerations
According to Dr. Picco of the MayoClinic.com, drinking water does not dilute digestive juices enough to interfere with digestion. The idea is that drinking water during meals keeps the digestive system in proper working order by aiding the breakdown process of digestion. Additionally, drinking water during meals contributes to daily fluid requirements for healthy metabolic function and cell regeneration.
How Much is Enough?
Drinking enough fluid throughout the day helps encourage proper body functioning. Most doctors recommend 8 to 13 glasses of water a day, depending on the person's level of physical activity. While some of this liquid may be consumed during a meal, the majority of fluid needs to be ingested throughout the day. In countries with water shortages, most fluid is consumed in the form of moist fruits and vegetables. The typical Western diet is low in fluid-rich fruits and vegetables, increasing the need for water. Increasing your nutrient-dense fruit and vegetable intake can reduce your need for as much liquid, but will not eliminate it completely.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Does Drinking Water During or After a Meal Disturb Digestion?"; Dr. Michael Picco, M.D.; 2010
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine, 2nd Edition"; Dr. J. Pizzorno, et al.; 2008
- "The Nutrition Almanac"; Lavon Dunne; 2001
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