Thirsty for more energy?
21 October 2024
When it comes to digestion, staying properly hydrated is essential. It’s not just about drinking enough water; it’s also about what you drink, when you drink it, and how it impacts your digestive process.
Why hydration matters for digestion
Our bodies need adequate water to produce digestive juices and enzymes that break down the food we eat. Hydration also helps to lubricate your digestive tract, ensuring that everything moves smoothly through the digestive ‘pipe.’ Without enough fluid, digestion can slow down, making it harder for your body to absorb nutrients and leading to issues like constipation or a sluggish digestive system.
On the other hand, drinks like coffee, black tea, and fruit juices can have the opposite effect. They can dehydrate your stomach, speed up bowel movements too quickly, and prevent the proper absorption of nutrients in the small intestine.
So, let’s talk about the small changes you can make to optimise your hydration!
Cleansing first
Start your day with warm water with lemon or sea salt. This simple habit helps kickstart your digestive system and prepares your stomach for the day ahead.
Warm water can stimulate digestion and improve circulation, while lemon provides acidity needed to ‘wake up’ the stomach.
Sea salt can help replenish essential minerals and electrolytes, setting a positive tone for your body’s hydration levels throughout the day.
You may also find that this drink gently nudges your bowels to empty — before you even leave the house!
Still no coffee…
If you love your morning cup of coffee or tea, try waiting at least an hour after breakfast before you drink it. Coffee and strong black tea can have a diuretic effect, leading to increased urination and potential fluid loss.
By delaying your caffeine fix, you give your body a chance to absorb nutrients from breakfast without the interference of these dehydrating drinks.
If you’re looking for alternatives, consider switching to herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, or chamomile. They can soothe your digestive system without the dehydrating effects of caffeine.
Who is your friend, then?
Make sure you’re getting enough fluid throughout the day, mainly from water (warm or at room temperature) and herbal teas.
If you can, invest in a water filter to purify your tap water and reduce the need for bottled water. Herbal teas can also offer additional benefits, depending on the type you choose—such as peppermint for digestion or chamomile for relaxation.
Remember, keeping a water bottle handy (glass or stainless steel) can encourage you to sip throughout the day, making hydration feel effortless.
Booze gets things loose…
Consider cutting down on alcohol, or best, going alcohol-free for a month and notice how this impacts on your digestive symptoms, quality of sleep, mood and energy levels.
Eat fruits, not their juices
While they might seem healthy, fruit juices and fruit-based smoothies can spike your blood sugar and don’t provide the same hydrating benefits as plain water or herbal tea. The high sugar content in many fruit juices can lead to an energy crash later, leaving you feeling fatigued.
Additionally, smoothies can often contain more readily available sugars than you might realise, and without the fibre from whole fruits, they may not be as filling.
Plenty of drinks, but when?
Separate drinks from meals: Try to drink your fluids before your meal or about 30-60 minutes after eating. This allows your digestive enzymes to work efficiently without being diluted.
Drinking too much during meals can dilute stomach acids, potentially impairing digestion and nutrient absorption.
