How long after eating do you need to wait to drink water?

I don't know if this is a "food" question, but I am curious.

How long (30 minutes? an hour?) is best to wait after you're done eating to drink water...also if anyone knows why you need to wait a certain amount of time, that'd be great too.

As you can see I am pregnant but I think it is probably the same for pregnant ladies as for everyone else.

I have never ever heard this before lol

I usually drink water before, during, and after meals.  I've never heard of holding off for any reason

I have heard several times that if you drink water during or immediately after eating it interferes with digestion.

I believe that may be an old wive's tale.  I've been drinking water with my meals for my entire life and don't seem to have any digestion problems.  Not that I would down a 16oz bottle immediately after -- but that would lead to an uncomfortably distended stomach -- shouldn't affect digestion.

I found this link from the Mayo Clinic stating that there is no problem with drinking water during and after meals. 

Btw, I'm pregnant too. :)  I drink water constantly before, during, and after meals.  I really don't think it makes a difference.  Congrats on your pregnancy! 

Original Post by jazzygal:

I have heard several times that if you drink water during or immediately after eating it interferes with digestion.

 I remember something about that too.  Perhaps it was about watering down the digestive juices that break down our food.... IDK, but I can back you up on hearing something about it. 

Hmmm, well I guess that's better if you don't need to wait! I find it annoying to wait after meals when I'm thirsty. I have been doing that for a while because I've heard it a few times.

I've heard, too, about not drinking while you're eating.  Seems it had something to do with digesting food.  But I don't adhere to it - I drink whatever I want while eating.

Just remember that your body needs more water when you're pregnant.  If you're thirsty, please don't wait to drink-it might mean you're dehydrated. 

Here's a link as to how much water you should consume during pregnancy.  Water helps your baby get the nutrients he or she needs and helps prevent bladder infections and constipation.  I wouldn't worry about whether it inhibits digestion right now, just make sure your baby is getting what he/she needs.

The food you eat has a high percentage of water already present. Foods like soups are a combination of liquids and solids.   Dishes are often served with liquid sauces.  Drinking water (or wine or other liquids) and eating at the same time does nothing adverse to your digestion and may even aid it.....

If you're pregnant you'll probably need to drink rather more water than other people.  Producing amniotic fluids and providing your baby with a good blood supply requires good hydration. 

Enjoy a few glasses of water with dinner.

I've heard the more water you drink after eating, the faster you digest your food.  The more weight/volume in your stomach = the faster your body pushes it on through.  Don't know how true it is, but my A&P teacher told us that.

if i drink a glass or 2 of water before i have a meal then i get full a lot faster. ill eat until im pretty full, and i might feel uncomfortable. but usually by the end of the meal, i have to pee, and i feel really good again!

Hi,

According to "Eat This And Live" by Don Colbert, MD, in his book it states not to drink cold drinks with food. It dampens and dilutes hydrochloric acid, digestive juices and enzymes. It goes on to say that it is similar to starting a campfire and then pouring water on it. However, a cup of hot organic tea may benefit digestion. (not hot enough to scald mind you!) It does not tell how long to wait before having something to drink! I hope this helps!

as with everything else in life, let common sense apply. dilute your stomach acid enough during or after eating and it cannot do it's job. not to forget that stomach acid is your defense against pathogens entering our gut and causing major problems...  kind or relates to how prolonged stress decreases stomach acid production, which eventually leads to things like IBD/IBS from pathogens from poor food entering the intestines.