You've probably heard that a glass of water after lunch helps digestion.
But what if it's a myth that's been leaving you with a heavy stomach for years?
The fact is that water drunk immediately after a meal dilutes the gastric juice. The concentration of hydrochloric acid drops, and food is digested more slowly.
Cold water is especially dangerous: it “freezes” enzymes, and food stagnates in the stomach, causing fermentation and bloating.
But that's not all. Water stretches the walls of the stomach, creating a false sense of hunger. An hour after lunch, you want to snack again, although in fact the food has not yet been digested.
The most dangerous scenario is drinking after a fatty meal. Oils mix with water, forming a dense emulsion that coats the intestinal walls and interferes with the absorption of nutrients.
When can you drink? The ideal option is 30 minutes before a meal. This will prepare the stomach for work and reduce appetite.
If you are very thirsty during lunch, take a couple of sips of warm water. It will not disturb the pH and will speed up the breakdown of food.
Wait half an hour after eating. Then the water will not interfere with any processes.
Interesting fact: in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, drinking water after eating is considered poison. But there is an exception: if you ate something spicy or salty, a few sips of warm water will neutralize the irritation.
The main thing is not to wash down food with sweet drinks. Juice or lemonade increases the glucose level, forcing the pancreas to work hard.
Try not drinking after meals for a week and you will notice how the bloating disappears and your energy stops falling after lunch. Your body will thank you for this small sacrifice.
