Do you ever wonder why you feel bloated after eating? Well a major reason could be because of eating a drinking at the same time. This can have negative effects on digestion and overall health. Below are some reasons why you should think twice about eating and drinking at the same time. 1. Impaired digestion: When you eat and drink together, the fluids can dilute the digestive enzymes in your stomach, making it harder for your body to break down food properly. This can lead to indigestion, bloating, and discomfort. 2. Reduced nutrient absorption: Drinking large amounts of liquid while eating can hinder the absorption of certain nutrients, particularly minerals like iron and calcium. These minerals require an acidic environment in the stomach for optimal absorption, which can be disrupted by excessive fluids. 3. Overeating: Consuming liquids while eating can make you feel less full, leading to overeating. This is because fluids can pass through the stomach more quickly than solid food,

giving you a false sense of hunger and causing you to consume more calories than necessary. 4. Weight gain: Over time, consistently overeating due to drinking while eating can contribute to weight gain and obesity. The excess calories consumed from overeating can be stored as fat in the body. 5. Acid reflux and heartburn: Drinking large amounts of liquid while eating can increase the likelihood of acid reflux and heartburn. The excess fluid can cause the stomach to expand, putting pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. While it is generally recommended to avoid drinking large amounts of liquid while eating, it is still important to stay hydrated. It is best to drink fluids before or after meals, and if necessary, take small sips of water during meals to aid in swallowing and digestion. Do not drink water right before you eat or after. Leave about 20 minutes between drinking and eating.