Drinking water is good for you. It’s that simple. About 60% of our bodies are made up of water, and it is what helps keep our bodies running smoothly. Not drinking enough water can cause joint pain, swelling from fluid retention, and constipation, just to name a few things. If you don’t drink water regularly, you’ll certainly benefit from starting to.
It can help lubricate your joints, make stool easier to pass, and regulate your body temperature among other things. Another benefit of drinking water is if you do so before your meals, it can help you feel fuller before you eat. But, can drinking water help with your digestion? Some people may believe that drinking water with meals can cause bloating or dilute digestive fluids. To learn more about whether water helps or hinders digestion, keep reading below.
Does drinking water help your digestion or hinder it?
- Water does not dilute the digestive fluids — If you’ve heard that it can water down the juices in your stomach and prevent them from properly digesting your food, that’s simply not true. Water doesn’t dilute the fluids in your stomach or prevent your body from properly digesting food.
- Water helps your body digest your food easier — Water actually helps your digestive processes, believe it or not. When consumed with meals, it can fill the stomach so you feel fuller quicker and it can soften food before it travels down your esophagus. It also can prevent constipation by softening the stool.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Center for Digestive Health with any further questions!
Still wondering what other things you should know about digestive health services? Are you not sure why you might need care, or maybe you are looking for more information or have other digestive health questions? Please don’t wait to reach out to one of our team members for help. Our team of GI specialists has the training and experience to answer any questions you may have. They can also help you find the most effective treatments for your conditions and for common GI issues.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.