drinking water with meals

Maybe that has something to do with diluting the stomach acids we use to digest the food. We have a drink of water with most food but not always - for me it just depends how I feel. I only take small amounts at that time rather than a large quantity.

Google`s advice I hasten to add..........and not mine,although it makes sense and re iterates just what Welshwife has just said.

"Drink one glass of water 30 minutes before a meal to help digestion. Remember not to drink too soon before or after a meal as the water will dilute the digestive juices. Drink water an hour after the meal to allow the body to absorb the nutrients."

Rather have a glass of wine or two anyway.

Now you are talking my language Teetime!

I like to have both at hand for a meal, but can’t eat at all without water to slurp.

I always have a large glass while I’m eating .

I prefer my water to be coffee coloured or preferably have a meal with wine.

We don't drink water with meals as I heard many years ago that it wasn't a good idea but DD always puts a jug of water and glasses on the table at mealtimes.

I couldn’t eat a meal without drinking well I suppose I could restrain myself but probably won’t

Never have a drink during dinner and cannot understand why most people do (or at least all my family and lots of you on here). A coffee after the meal is much better for me

Water and/or wine is my choice with a meal and the GC too. No after effects seem to appear after all these years.

Remember the brightly coloured metal jugs of water we had with scool dinners? I usually put jugs of water out when we have a dinner party as it stops me drinking too much wine!

"Maybe that has something to do with diluting the stomach acids we use to digest the food."
"Drink one glass of water 30 minutes before a meal to help digestion. Remember not to drink too soon before or after a meal as the water will dilute the digestive juices. Drink water an hour after the meal to allow the body to absorb the nutrients."
Sounds sensible - thanks Welshwife and Panache.

You can also read advice saying that a glass of water before a meal is ideal for those trying to lose weight as it fills you before you start eating.

Personally, the google advice seems to be based on very faulty science. Water passes through the body or is absorbed quite quickly and will certainly not swill around in the stomach diluting the digestive juices. The chemicals in the digestion process are, anyway extremely corrosive, and a bit of dilution will make little difference.

Even if it is true wh would diluting the digestive juices be a bad thing? If the digestion process is slowed down, digesting our meals will take longer, we will feel fuller longer so will not be tempted to eating again too soon or snacking and grazing. What's not to like.

Always have a glass of water to sip with my meals - even breakfast, after coffee. I find it refreshing.