Habits to avoid after meals because they harm digestion

Drinking enough water is important for overall health. Drinking a lot of water right after a meal may seem harmless, but it can have a negative impact on digestion.

During meals, you should only drink water in small sips, avoiding drinking too much as it can affect digestion.

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Drinking a lot of water after a meal can have the following effects:

Dilute digestive enzymes

The stomach needs an acidic environment and concentrated enzymes to digest food effectively. Drinking too much water immediately after or during a meal can dilute gastric juices and enzymes, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

This can slow down digestion, preventing food from being completely broken down, creating conditions for fermentation that causes gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort.

Reduced nutrient absorption

Drinking too much water reduces the acidity in the stomach, leading to suboptimal conditions for absorbing certain minerals such as iron, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients.

The stomach needs a sufficiently acidic environment to break down the bonds between nutrients and food. Therefore, if the acidity is diluted, absorption will be affected. This is why, although water is necessary, you should avoid drinking too much immediately after a meal.

Bloating, discomfort

Drinking large amounts of water during or immediately after meals can cause the stomach to overstretch, creating a feeling of fullness, sluggishness, and discomfort, especially in people with sensitive stomachs or slow digestion. Therefore, to minimize this, avoid drinking too much water during meals, including soups. Drinking a small or moderate amount is fine.

Hyponatremia

In extreme cases, drinking too much water in a short period of time can lead to hyponatremia, meaning the sodium concentration in the blood is diluted. Symptoms of this condition include headache, nausea, and confusion. In severe cases, hyponatremia can lead to seizures or coma. However, this condition is rare, especially after meals.

One of the best times to drink water is 30-60 minutes before a meal. The amount of water should be moderate. During meals, drink in small sips and avoid large amounts to prevent putting pressure on the stomach. After meals, wait a while for digestion before drinking more water. This helps maintain a habit of drinking water without harming digestion, according to Medical News Today .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thoi-quen-can-tranh-sau-bua-an-vi-gay-hai-tieu-hoa-185250911125803048.htm