When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, there’s one irrefutable truth: water is essential. Anything other than agua won’t cut it for a healthy diet, and this fact remains well-known. Yet, despite the World Health Organization (OMS) recommendation to drink plenty of water throughout the day, there’s still some confusion around when to drink it in relation to meals.
One popular debate revolves around whether it’s best to drink water before or after eating. Some argue that drinking water before a meal can aid in weight loss by promoting a feeling of fullness, while others advocate for post-meal consumption to improve digestion.
The Mayo Clinic in the United States asserts that there is no evidence to suggest that water interferes with digestion and, in fact, can facilitate the breakdown and processing of food. They also note that adequate water intake can aid in the absorption of nutrients and prevent constipation.
It’s worth noting, however, that feeling full from drinking water before a meal is only temporary and may not significantly contribute to weight loss. Research has also shown that any weight loss benefits associated with pre-meal water consumption are more pronounced in older adults.
Ultimately, the best advice is to drink water before, during, and after meals. As a crucial component of a balanced diet, water should replace sugary sodas, flavored waters, and other beverages like wine or beer.
In conclusion, the consensus on the optimal timing to drink water in relation to meals is to simply maintain consistent water consumption throughout the day. With the clarity that proper hydration is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, it’s clear that water – before, during, and after meals – is an important routine to uphold.