H2O: When to drink for optimal digestion!

TIP # 2- DRINK WATER BETWEEN MEALS

I know, l know every where around the world we have glasses of water at our dinner tables and restaurants, but this is a radical health freak plea to drink water before or after, but never during a meal! Especially ice water and I'll tell you why:

The stomach is a hot acidic environment, which is a good thing for breaking down the food we eat. However, when we pour water or ice water into that couldron it makes the content of the stomach colder and more basic so the stomach doesn't function optimally. Additionally, Ice water emulsifies fats so they take longer to  break down in the body.

Just imagine cooking a nice hot meal in a pan, stir-fried veggies, lets say, with some nice coconut oil, and then pouring a huge cup of ice water into the pan. What do you think would happen to your food? lt would immediately stop cooking and you would have to wait for the heat below the pan to start up again, now with water so the oil wouldn't be doing it's job any longer, because we all know water and oil don't mix. This is exactly what we are doing inside our stomach every time we drink cold water with our meals! 

Solution?
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. BPA free water bottles are awesome to tote around and try to drink filtered water only if you can (more on what's in our drinking water next week!). Of course, drink while you exercise or before and after a work out. Drinking when you wake up or before you go to sleep (depending on your urinary system) are also great options. Try to drink 8- 10 glasses of water per day (more in warmer climates).  Not only does it keep you hydrated, but its also GREAT for your skin!

Until next week! 
To Your HEALTH!




ps- don't just take my word for it!  See the links below for more support on the subject....

http://www.naturalnews.com/033731_digestion_drinking_water.html

http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/5-Digestion-Tips-for-Athletes.htm

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-18/diet/30433066_1_meals-water-juices