Should you drink water before, during, or after your meals?
Before we answer that question, let’s talk a bit about hydration.
The fact is, most people are dehydrated all of the time.
And often, thirst manifests as hunger. Sometimes, our bodies have trouble distinguishing between the two, which means that we’ll often reach for food when we should be pouring ourselves a tall glass of water or two.
How do we make sure that we stay hydrated?
Drink 2-4 glasses over water over a one-hour period after you wake up. For extra hydration and detoxification, add a little bit of lemon or apple cider vinegar.
So, should you also drink with your meals?
People often wonder if drinking water with or after a meal will interfere with their digestion.
Jon recommends drinking a glass of water BEFORE each meal. Since thirst is often mistaken for hunger, you may find that you eat less — or that you were never actually hungry at all!
If you’re worried about water diluting your digestive enzymes but still wish to drink during your meal, take a digestive enzyme tablet during your meal. This is a great way to ensure that you’re getting the best digestion possible (in fact, Jon recommends taking them regardless of when you drink your water).
More great digestion tips:
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
- Add more fermented foods to your diet, like miso soup, tempeh, kefir, and nutritional yeast
- Eat fewer dead carbs (breads and high-sugar foods)
- Avoid drinking chlorinated water with meals
How many glasses are you drinking per day?
