Eating rice with soup: What does the doctor say?

Many people have a habit of eating rice with soup at every meal, hoping it will make swallowing easier and more enjoyable. However, some are concerned that this may dilute digestive juices and slow down the digestion process.

According to doctors, the idea that eating rice with soup dilutes digestive juices is a misconception. Doctors Koti Spandana and Pallavi Suyog Uttekar, currently working in India, say that eating soup or drinking water before or during meals actually helps with digestion and supports weight loss.

Studies show no evidence that eating soup with meals causes digestive upset or leads to health problems. On the contrary, water plays a vital role in digestion – helping to break down food, soften stool, prevent constipation, activate antioxidants, potassium and vitamin C, and maintain energy throughout the day.

Eating soup or drinking water before or during meals helps with digestion and supports weight loss.

Photo: AI

Digestion begins as soon as food enters the mouth, with salivary glands secreting enzymes to break down the food. The food is then mixed with gastric juices in the stomach and travels down to the small intestine, where enzymes continue to break it down and absorb nutrients into the bloodstream. Finally, waste products are eliminated through feces.

According to experts, there are three main benefits to eating rice with soup:

Improved digestion: Water helps food move easily through the digestive system, supporting better nutrient absorption.

Weight loss support: Eating rice with soup helps control feelings of fullness, preventing overeating.

Preventing constipation, bloating, and indigestion: Water helps soften stools and reduce discomfort after meals, according to the medical news website Medicine Net.

However, some side effects can occur. Drinking too much water or eating a lot of soup before a meal can reduce appetite, cause insulin spikes similar to those experienced when eating foods with a high glycemic index, or increase the risk of acid reflux in people with chronic gastritis.

Experts conclude that for healthy individuals, drinking water or eating soup during meals is perfectly safe, aids digestion, and supports weight management. However, people with heart, kidney, or liver disease should consult their doctor to adjust their water intake accordingly, according to the Mayo Clinic (USA).

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/an-com-cung-voi-canh-bac-si-noi-gi-185251031204719342.htm