Drinking Water During Meals: Healthy or Disruptive to Digestion?

Drinking plain water between bites is a common habit among Indonesians. But the question is whether this habit is healthy or disrupts digestion?

In response, gastroenterologist Dr. Rubal Gupta says that the habit of drinking water while eating cannot be judged in black and white. He says the impact depends heavily on how and how much water is consumed.

If sips of water are taken in moderate amounts, this habit can have health benefits including helping to soften food so it goes down more easily. In addition, water helps food move more smoothly through the stomach and intestines, supporting digestion.

Similarly, when eating dry or high-fibre foods, taking sips of water can make the food easier and more comfortable to consume. It can also help regulate fullness, because drinking a little water between bites can reduce the likelihood of overeating, Gupta said, as reported by Hindustan Times, on Thursday (21 May 2026).

He said that in healthy people, the normal amount of water consumed during meals does not significantly disrupt stomach acid or digestive enzymes. The body, he said, is able to adjust digestive fluid production naturally.

Although safe in small amounts, consuming excessive water during meals should be watched. According to Dr Gupta, drinking large amounts of water during meals can cause digestive discomfort.