Does water interfere with food absorption?

[99people99]

My coach claims that drinking a lot of water close to a meal can hinder the absorption of the food to some degree. Is there merit to this belief in your opinion?

 

[Fattyone]

I think so. I try to limit the amount of water during a meal. I also try and stay hydrated so it’s not like I’m trying to rehydrate while I’m eating, just drinking enough to get the food down and wet my whissstle

 

[JeffroCat]

Drinking water with meals may make it harder to get all your food down. But how would it hinder the absorption of nutrients? You should ask your coach for an explanation.

 

[buck]

If you are drinking 2 quarts of water with a meal then maybe it would hinder absorption by diluting the digestive enzymes to much. seems most pros tend to drink some water around meal times. I tend to think absorbing a some what liquid food that has been broken down would be easier to pass through the intestine then a hard chunk. And would also transit down the intestines better.

 

[JeffroCat]

I tend to think absorbing a some what liquid food that has been broken down would be easier to pass through the intestine then a hard chunk.

This is not how digestion works.

 

[buck]

This is not how digestion works.

Then please explain in depth as to how it does work.The Mayo clinic seems to think water is beneficial in digestion.
"In fact, drinking water during or after a meal helps how your body breaks down and processes food (digestion). Water is vital for good health. Water and other drinks help break down food so that your body can take in (absorb) the nutrients. Water also makes stool softer, which helps prevent constipation.

Water after meals: Does it disturb digestion?

Drinking plenty of water helps keep your digestive system on track.

www.mayoclinic.org

 

[goodstuffbro]

Yes it does slow down digestion. It depends on the amount of food you eat. Very large meal, don't drink at all, small meals you can drink imho up to one glass. Better not sit at table thirsty.
Drink up to 20-30 minutes before plenty of water, it also helps to avoid the "I think i'm hungry I look around in the kitchen" like binge feeling, when you're only thirsty. It happens sometimes for me if I don't drink enough.

My experience was couple days ago, I haven't had a lot of water during the day and I had a fairly salty dinner, something like 500gr of mix veggies and meat, drank 1 liter or more of water in the next 20 minutes, hadn't sleep very good with a bit of (non acid) reflux.