Water after meals: Does it disturb digestion?

Answer Section

Water doesn't cause problems with digestion or thin body fluids used in digestion. But people with heart, kidney or liver disease may need to limit the amount of water they drink. Talk to your healthcare team if you're managing these issues.

Water tends to be good for digestion. Water helps break down food so your body can use the nutrients. It helps your body make spit, also called saliva. Water is part of the stomach acid that helps digestion and is part of other fluids in the body, such as blood and urine. Drinking enough water also can soften stool, which helps prevent constipation.

Drinking a glass of water with a meal can help meet your body's daily need for this liquid. If you're trying to stay at your weight or lose weight, water at mealtimes is a great option. Drinking water with meals can help you feel full without added calories. But if you're trying to gain weight, focus on healthy food and limit the amount you drink at mealtimes. Drinking water won't give you nutrition or calories, and you may feel full faster.

Aside from drinking water, there are lots of things you can do for better digestion.

• Eat slowly.
• Get the suggested amount of fiber. If you eat a high-fiber diet, make sure you get enough water.
• Stay active to help keep food moving through your gut.
• Manage stress in general and try to avoid stress during meals.
• Watch portion sizes to avoid gut discomfort or eating more calories than your body needs.

Eating on a schedule can help your digestive system respond and then rest when you aren’t eating. Also, if you take medicine that affects your digestion, ask a healthcare professional how to prevent or manage these side effects.