In our daily lives, there are many myths and customs about food and drink. Among them, a fairly common belief is that drinking water while eating can cause indigestion. This view is so ingrained in the minds of many people that at the dinner table, some people deliberately avoid drinking water while eating. So, what is the reason behind this view? Is it empirical or scientific? Today, let's take a look at this question.
First of all, let's be clear that water is an integral and important part of our body, and it is involved in almost all physiological activities in our body, including digestion. Water plays a vital role in the digestion process. Before food can be digested, it needs to be moistened and broken down by saliva in the mouth, and this process is inseparable from the participation of water. In addition, water helps food mix and move better in the stomach and intestines, promoting the absorption of digestive products.
So, why is there still a saying that "drinking water while eating will cause indigestion"? This may have something to do with some people's personal experiences. It is true that for some people, drinking a lot of water while eating may make them feel sick to their stomach and even trigger indigestion. This may be because a lot of water dilutes stomach acid, which affects the activity of digestive enzymes. But it's important to note that this doesn't mean that drinking water with meals will cause indigestion in all people.
In fact, there is no clear evidence from scientific studies that drinking water while eating directly causes indigestion. There are many causes of indigestion, such as irregular diet, mental stress, medications***, etc. Moreover, everyone's physical condition and digestive ability are also different. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all answer as to whether or not you can drink water with meals.
So, how should we look at this? It is recommended that everyone drink water in moderation according to their physical condition and needs during meals. If you feel comfortable drinking water with your meals, then it's perfectly fine to go ahead and do so. However, if you find that doing so makes your stomach feel upset, then you can reduce the amount of water you drink or adjust the time you drink.
In conclusion, there is no definitive answer to whether drinking water while eating causes indigestion. We should arrange our diet and water reasonably according to our physical condition and actual needs. At the same time, it is also necessary to maintain a scientific attitude and not blindly believe or spread claims that have no scientific basis.
Finally, I would like to emphasize that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing indigestion. This includes eating regularly and quantitatively, maintaining a good routine, exercising properly, and having a good attitude. Only by doing this can we have a healthy digestive system and enjoy a good life.