Is it good to drink water before meals?

Popular advice is circulating in the medical community: Drink a glass of water before meals to control blood sugar levels.

But does the habit of drinking water before meals really make a difference, especially for people with diabetes or prediabetes?

While some proponents believe that drinking water before eating can aid digestion, slow glucose absorption, and potentially reduce blood sugar spikes after meals, others are less convinced.

Nutritionist Kanikka Malhotra in India, explains: Drinking water before meals can help reduce blood sugar spikes after meals, especially in people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, according to the Indian Express.

For most healthy people, drinking water before or during meals does not affect digestion or nutrient absorption.

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Water can increase feelings of fullness, leading to less eating, and slow stomach emptying, both of which can slow the rise in blood sugar after a meal. Additionally, adequate hydration supports kidney function, which helps regulate blood sugar levels by aiding in the excretion of excess sugar through urine.

The main benefits come from promoting satiety and supporting overall metabolic health, says nutritionist Kanikka Malhotra.

For most healthy people, drinking water before or during a meal does not affect digestion or nutrient absorption. Water can actually aid digestion by helping to dissolve nutrients and move food through the digestive tract, explains Malhotra.

Who should adopt this habit?

People with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance may benefit more from drinking water before meals, says Malhotra. For these people, controlling blood sugar spikes is especially important to prevent complications. Drinking water can help reduce calorie intake and slow the absorption of glucose, which can improve blood sugar control.

Additionally, people who are overweight or have metabolic syndrome (having a lot of belly fat, high blood pressure, high cholesterol) may see additional benefits, as water can replace sugary drinks and aid in weight control, notes nutritionist Kanikka Malhotra, according to the Indian Express.

However, people with kidney or heart problems should consult their doctor before increasing their water intake to avoid fluid overload.

Additionally, for people with certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) or severe acid reflux, drinking large amounts of water before meals may worsen symptoms. However, it is best to drink less water and consult your doctor.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/uong-nuoc-truoc-bua-an-lieu-co-tot-185250728192538793.htm