Nutrition expert Karishma Shah advised against drinking water right after meals, noting that the reasons behind this advice are worthy of consideration, according to the "Hindustan Times." Shah added that the ideal time to drink water after meals for optimal digestion ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, in order to avoid the following:
1. **Dilution of Digestive Juices**
Drinking water immediately after eating can dilute stomach acids and essential enzymes, slowing down the digestion process. One should especially avoid swallowing large quantities; small sips are better.
2. **Reduced Nutrient Absorption**
Nutrient absorption decreases when drinking water right after lunch and dinner, as water can speed up the digestion process but at the cost of not absorbing vital nutrients effectively.
3. **Dilution of Digestive Enzymes**
It is advisable to avoid drinking water during meals as it leads to the dilution of digestive enzymes present in the stomach. Water can be consumed 10 minutes before or after meals.
4. **Impact on Insulin Levels**
Some evidence suggests that drinking water immediately after meals can lead to increased insulin levels, which enhances fat storage.
For optimal digestion and health, it is better to give oneself a break of 30 minutes after eating before reaching for a bottle of water. This temporary halt will ensure that digestive health is not compromised and that the body remains adequately hydrated.
