Water is an important factor in maintaining health and providing moisture to the body. However, there is a habit that many people do not notice, drinking water right after eating fruit. Although fruit contains a significant amount of water, combining water with fruit in meals can cause some negative effects on the body.
Negative effects of drinking water after eating fruit
According to nutritionist Shweta Mahadik, drinking water right after eating fruit can lead to some digestive and health problems. Here are the reasons why this habit can be harmful to your body.
Abdominal pain and bloating
Fruits such as kiwi, jackfruit, passion fruit or guava contain a lot of sugar and enzyme. Drinking water after eating can dilute stomach acid, creating conditions for enzymes and gas to accumulate in the stomach, causing bloating and abdominal pain. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, the buildup of gas can increase discomfort and bloating in the stomach.
Dynamic pH disorder
Many fruits with a high water content such as watermelon, orange, cantaloupe, and strawberries can reduce stomach acid levels when combined with water. This disrupts the pH of the digestive system, affecting the digestive process. Shweta Mahadik recommends not drinking water immediately after eating fruit that contains a lot of water to avoid reducing the acidity in the stomach.
Slow down digestion
Drinking water after eating fruit can slow down digestion because it thinses the stomach juice. When stomach juice is diluted, the digestive enzymes needed for digestion are reduced. This can make you feel indigestion or nauseous after meals. According to experts, it is best to wait at least 30 minutes to an hour after eating fruit to drink water.
Stomach sales
Stomach appetite plays an important role in breaking down food. When you drink water right after a meal, stomach juice thins, reducing the effectiveness of digestive enzymes, easily leading to problems such as heartburn, stomach reflux and bloating. Therefore, Shweta Mahadik recommends waiting about an hour before drinking water after eating fruit to protect the digestive process.
Increased risk of increased blood sugar
Drinking water right after eating fruit can slow down digestion and cause undigested food to accumulate in the body. These foods are then converted into fat, which increases insulin and can lead to high blood sugar levels. This prolonged condition can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and other chronic health problems such as heart disease, blindness and kidney failure.
Although drinking water is necessary to maintain health, drinking water immediately after eating fruit can cause negative effects on the body. To ensure good digestion and protect health, you should wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before drinking water after meals, especially when eating water-rich fruits such as watermelon, orange and strawberry.
