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You may be eating the right food, but did you know the amount of water you drink before or after a meal also makes an impact on your health?
Many health authorities claim that people should aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
This traditional 8×8 rule is an easy one to remember, as we should be drinking at least one glass of water every hour of the day.
The trouble is, you might be drinking enough water, but you could be drinking water at times when it’s inefficient to your body’s needs.
As the adult human body is made up of 60 percent water, it is a vital source that we need in order for our body to function.
By learning when to drink water, you can optimise your intake so that your body is getting the most out of the water you’re drinking.
Drink water before a meal such as breakfast. This is highly beneficial to our health, as it helps to activate the internal organs after a nights rest.
Ideally, it’s best to drink a large glass of water as soon as you rise.
When it comes to drinking water before a meal such as lunch or dinner, it’s best to only drink water 30 minutes before you sit at the table.
This is due to the fact our body contains digestive fluids which enable us to break down our food. These enzymes help our body to utilise the food’s energy as soon as possible.
Drinking water during a meal is a bad habit to get into, as the water dilutes our digestive enzymes. This means it takes even longer for our bodies to digest the food we’re eating.
It’s also a bad mealtime habit as our body does not feel full as quickly. Many of us often consume more food than we really need to.
One medical study issued in 2009, revealed that people who drank water before each meal lost 44 percent more weight over 12 weeks, compared to those who didn’t.
Drinking between meals can also help ensure you’re not just dehydrated.
Before you start snacking, have a big glass of water first to see if that helps to subside your hunger.
After 30 minutes, you’ll know if you’re definitely hungry, or if your body was just thirsty.
Many health guidelines suggest that a drink of water after a meal allows your body to absorb the vital nutrients.
By drinking after a meal it also stops us from overeating as we can feel full much quicker.
Many health professionals advise that you should drink water an hour after a meal.
This means your body can use the water effectively to rehydrate and support the last part of digestion.
Knowing when to drink water before and after a meal can help you in creating healthier habits.
People who follow these simple steps report having better energy levels, improved physical fitness, and a decrease in fatigue.