According to Dr. Preeti Nagar, nutritionist at NIIMS Medical College and Hospital, India, water is essential for life and overall health. However, it is not just about drinking enough water each day, but also how you drink it. Sipping water instead of gulping it down can have a number of health benefits, from improving digestion to reducing the risk of bloating.
Dr. Preeti Nagar says that sipping water helps the body absorb water more efficiently, reduces pressure on the digestive system, and prevents problems like bloating and acid reflux. Drinking water slowly and regularly helps maintain the body's water balance, improves digestion, and helps the digestive system function more smoothly. So instead of drinking large amounts of water at once, try the habit of drinking small sips throughout the day to maximize your health benefits.
Is drinking water in sips better than drinking it all at once?
When it comes to drinking water, sipping is considered a better option than gulping it down, according to Dr. Preeti Nagar. Here are some reasons why:
Reduce air swallowing: When you drink water slowly, you swallow less air than when you drink quickly. This helps reduce the risk of bloating, discomfort, and feeling of fullness caused by swallowing air.
Improves digestion: Drinking water slowly helps the body absorb water gradually, maintaining the acid balance in the stomach. This aids digestion, reduces the risk of digestive disorders and helps digest food more effectively.
Prevent acid reflux and bloating: When you drink water too quickly, your stomach expands rapidly, creating pressure that can lead to acid reflux or bloating. Sipping water allows your stomach time to adjust, helping to reduce these problems.
On the other hand, drinking too quickly or drinking large amounts of water at once can increase the risk of acid reflux and bloating because the stomach has to expand rapidly, putting pressure on the digestive system. So instead of drinking large amounts of water at once, try to sip water throughout the day to maximize your health benefits.
How much water should I drink a day?
Dr. Preeti Nagar recommends that to stay hydrated, you should drink 2-3 liters of water per day, depending on your activity level, climate conditions, and personal needs. Instead of drinking large amounts of water at once, sip small amounts throughout the day. In addition, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables also helps to hydrate the body effectively.
