Consumption of water should also be avoided before meal and a 30 minutes gap needs to be maintained as it can weaken the Agni that can lead to ineffective absorption of key nutrients.
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Recently, leading Ayurvedic expert Dimple Jangda took to her Instagram account and spoke on the topic of sipping water with meals. She said, “Stop drinking water with your meals … you are doing a great disservice to the Agni, digestive fire that controls your digestion, metabolism and even immunity.” She also highlighted tips to sip water for maximum benefits.
Sipping water during meals is common habit but it has sparked several debates. Some people think that drinking water with meals may weaken digestion while others feel that it may help food move easily through the digestive system. However, Ayurveda suggests that sipping small amounts of warm water during meals supports digestion but strictly recommends against drinking large amounts before or immediately after the meals.
The appropriate approach is to drink small amounts of warm water in between meals to help break down the foods. Ayurveda advised against filling the stomach with water as it can kill the digestive fire or Agni. Cold or chilled water intake during meals must always be avoided as it can extinguish the Agni.
Consumption of water should also be avoided before meal and a 30 minutes gap needs to be maintained as it can weaken the Agni that can lead to ineffective absorption of key nutrients.
Recently, leading Ayurvedic expert Dimple Jangda took to her Instagram account and spoke on the topic of sipping water with meals. She said, “Stop drinking water with your meals … you are doing a great disservice to the Agni, digestive fire that controls your digestion, metabolism and even immunity.” 1
The Ayurvedic expert said, “Stop drinking water with your meals. You are diminishing your Agni and destroying your gut health.” Now imagine you make a warm bowl of porridge or some sautéed vegetables or some warm salads, which is boiled and steamed. Take a glass of water and pour on top of it. Will you eat this now? Everything has become damp, it has become cold, it is not appetizing anymore."
The same thing with your gut. Your gut has digestive juices hydrochloric acid, bile, and digestive enzymes. And, they need to be concentrated to be able to break down your food to aid digestion, absorption, and assimilation.
When you drink a lot of water with your meals, you are diluting all of those digestive juices and enzymes. You are dampening the Agni, which is the Jatharagni, the warm energy that is responsible for your digestion. Now the food lying in your gut fermenting, not digesting. So, it leads to bloating, gas, flatulence, indigestion, constipation, swollen belly, and inflammation. This is because of that one simple mistake you are making – drinking a lot of water with your meals. Now we have all been told to drink eight glasses of water but nobody really told us when and how to drink it. Ayurveda has that information and that intelligence, added Dimple Jangda.
Drink warm water 30 minutes before meal and a few sips of water during the meal if you are feeling dry and parched, not more than a few sips. And, wait for at least 30 to 45 minutes after the meal to drink water again.
Add some cumin seeds, fennel seeds, coriander seeds. It is called CCF tea. It becomes carminative in nature. Add this to your warm water and drink it throughout the day. This will aid digestion.
You can even add some grated ginger to it if you like, some cinnamon sticks as well. This is also going to improve your metabolism and prevent bloating, gas, and flatulence.
Another thing to remember is drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning. 200 ml of warm water with one teaspoon of ghee or lemon, cinnamon, and ginger. This will aid digestion, improve evacuation of waste, added Jangda.
Also make sure to drink a glass of water before you take shower. This will help in controlling your blood pressure.
Drink water after a workout, before a workout, and make sure to drink half a glass or one glass of water before bedtime so that you do not dehydrate. Because, remember cardiac arrest happens due to dehydration early in the morning for most patients. You can prevent that, informed Jangda.
Make sure to finish drinking maximum amount of water during the first half of the day up to 4 pm and then have 2-3 cups of water 4 to 6 or 7 pm.
Do not drink too much water in the evenings as it leads to frequent urination. Half a cup of water is enough to make sure that you are hydrated and your lips are plump and moisturized when you wake up in the morning, concluded Dimple Jangda.
FAQs
Does drinking water with meals affect digestion?
Yes, according to Ayurvedic expert Dimple Jangda, drinking large amounts of water with meals can dilute digestive juices like hydrochloric acid and enzymes, weakening the digestive fire (Agni). This can lead to poor digestion, fermentation of food in the gut, and symptoms such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.
How much water should you drink during a meal?
Ayurveda recommends sipping only small amounts of warm water during meals if you feel dry, but not more than a few sips. Drinking large volumes during meals is discouraged to avoid diluting digestive enzymes and impairing digestion.
Is it better to drink water before or after eating?
It is best to drink warm water about 30 minutes before meals and wait at least 30 to 45 minutes after eating before drinking water again. Drinking water immediately before or after meals can weaken the digestive fire and reduce nutrient absorption.
Can drinking water with meals cause bloating?
Yes, excessive water intake with meals can dilute digestive juices, leading to incomplete digestion and fermentation of food in the gut. This may cause bloating, gas, flatulence, constipation, and inflammation as described by Ayurvedic practices.
What do doctors say about drinking water during meals?
While conventional medical advice generally encourages hydration, Ayurvedic experts like Dimple Jangda emphasize timing and temperature of water intake. Drinking warm water in moderation and avoiding cold water with meals supports digestion and gut health. For personalized advice, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.
Ayurvedic Expert Dimple Jangda via Instagram|Should you sip water with meals?
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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