Water Before or After Meals? Let’s End the Confusion Once and for All

Does this question bother you repeatedly whether drinking water before or after eating is good for health or not? Many people believe that it causes digestion problems, while some say that it increases weight. There are different opinions on this on social media too. But it is important to get the correct information because it directly affects our daily health. It is important to keep the body hydrated, but it is very important to take care of the right time and quantity. If you drink water at the wrong time, it can not only affect the digestive system. You may also have problems like gas, bloating and indigestion. Know the right way and time to drink water so that your health remains strong.

Ayurveda prohibits drinking water immediately before and after eating. Whereas modern science says that a balance between time and quantity is important. If you drink too much water immediately after or during a meal, the digestive enzymes may be diluted, which takes time to digest the food. Therefore, it is considered ideal to drink water 30 minutes after eating.



If you drink too much water while eating, it can dilute the acid in the stomach, which can slow down digestion. But if the food is too dry, then drinking two or three sips of water is beneficial. Balance is the key here—not too much, and not at all.

Drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before eating boosts metabolism and controls appetite. It can also help in rapid weight loss. Apart from this, it helps in cleaning the stomach and helps in better digestion of food.



Drinking water immediately after eating is generally not considered right as it can hinder the digestion process. This can cause acidity, gas and bloating. Experts believe that it is better to drink water at least 30-45 minutes after eating.

If you have to drink water around meals, lukewarm water is considered best. It supports digestion and helps flush out toxins from the body. Very cold water can slow down digestion, especially after meals.



Every person's body needs are different, but on average it is good to drink 2.5 to 3 liters of water a day. But instead of drinking too much water at once, it is better to drink water in small quantities throughout the day. Especially limit the amount of water before and after meals.

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