You've probably heard it said that it's important to drink more water. Although a certain amount of water is necessary to avoid dehydration, the current thought is that drinking large quantities of water throughout the day doesn't have any proven health benefits beyond simple hydration. This is particularly true when it comes to drinking water while eating a meal. Although most people sit down to eat a meal with a big glass of water or other drink next to their plate, drinking water with meals may not only be unnecessary but may have potential drawbacks when it comes to your health. Should you or shouldn't you drink water with a meal?

Most people feel more comfortable when they sit down to eat if they have some liquid on hand in case they should choke while eating. This is particularly important if you're eating something dry such as peanuts of popcorn where the risk of choking or irritating the throat is higher, but when it comes to eating your regular meal, sipping on that glass of water may actually hinder digestion.

Why does drinking water with meals have a negative effect on digestion? It's thought that when you drink water with meals, it dilutes out the digestive enzymes required to do the task of breaking down the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins you're taking in. In some people, this can lead to symptoms of indigestion such as bloating, flatulence, and a sensation of abdominal fullness. Although this may have the beneficial effect of discouraging you from overeating, if you're prone to indigestion, it may make the problem worse, particularly if you've eaten a large meal.

While some people seem to be able to drink water with meals without suffering from digestive problems, others, particularly those with slower gastrointestinal motility develop symptoms of indigestion. If you're able to drink water with meals without experiencing digestive symptoms, there's no reason not to continue doing so. If you're prone to digestive problems, try limiting your water intake with meals and see if your symptoms improve. It's always a good idea to keep a glass of water next to your plate in the event you should choke while eating.

If you decide to limit the amount of water you drink with a meal, be sure to drink adequate amounts throughout the day to avoid becoming dehydrated, particularly if you live in a dry climate. Also, if you experience frequent indigestion after meals, see your doctor to rule out a more serious condition such as gall bladder or acid reflux disease.