Is it good to drink water before meals?

A common piece of advice circulating in the medical community is: Drink a glass of water before meals to help 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 meals can aid digestion, slow glucose absorption, and potentially reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes, others are skeptical.

According to the Indian Express, Kanikka Malhotra, a nutritionist in India, explains that drinking water before meals can help reduce the spike in blood sugar levels after a meal, especially in people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.

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 food intake and slowing gastric emptying, both of which can slow the rise in blood sugar after meals. Additionally, adequate hydration supports kidney function, helping to regulate blood sugar levels by aiding in the excretion of excess sugar through urine.

Nutrition expert Kanikka Malhotra says: The main benefits come from promoting feelings of fullness and supporting overall metabolic health.

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

Who should adopt this habit?

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

Nutrition expert Kanikka Malhotra notes: In addition, overweight individuals or those with metabolic syndrome (having excess abdominal fat, high blood pressure, high blood lipids) may see further benefits, as water can replace sugary drinks and support weight management, according to 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 gastric emptying) or severe acid reflux, drinking large amounts of water before meals can worsen symptoms. However, it is best to drink less water and consult a doctor.

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