That Cold Glass of Water After Your Meal? It Might Be Doing More Harm Than Good…
For many of us, drinking cold water after eating feels refreshing — especially in Kenya’s hot weather. But what if that habit is silently affecting your digestion?
Health experts and nutritionists are now warning against drinking cold water immediately after meals, and the reason might surprise you.
What Doctors Say
Drinking cold water (especially iced) right after eating can slow down your digestion. Here’s how:
1. Cold Water Solidifies Fats in Food
When you eat a meal that contains fat (like meat, ugali with stew, chips, or oily foods), cold water can cause those fats to solidify in your stomach.
This makes digestion slower and harder, and may lead to bloating or discomfort.
2. It Shocks Your Digestive System
Your body digests food best at warm internal temperatures. When you suddenly add cold water, it can “shock” your system, reducing efficiency in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
3. It May Interfere With Nutrient Absorption
Some studies suggest that cold water can constrict blood vessels, affecting how nutrients are absorbed from your food.
4. Linked to Throat and Sinus Issues
Cold water, especially when taken frequently, may trigger throat irritation or worsen sinus congestion in some people.
What to Do Instead
-
Drink warm or room temperature water after meals.
-
Wait at least 30 minutes after eating before drinking anything very cold.
-
Try sipping herbal teas or warm lemon water to aid digestion.
Not Everyone Will Feel the Effects — But Why Risk It?
You might say, "I’ve been doing it for years and feel fine." That’s true for some. But just like other habits, effects show slowly — and by the time discomfort becomes obvious, damage may already be happening.
Long-Term Impact?
Doctors believe that poor digestion caused by cold water over time could contribute to digestive issues, bloating, and even weight gain, as the body struggles to process meals efficiently.
Final Thoughts
While cold water isn’t evil, timing matters. Make smarter choices about when and how you hydrate — your stomach will thank you.
You must be logged in to post a comment.