Is drinking water during meals unhealthy?

You've likely heard this one at the dinner table: “Don’t drink water while eating—it’ll mess up your digestion!”

- 

Like many age-old beliefs, this one lingers in popular health lore. But is there any truth to it?

Let’s get the basics out of the way: drinking water during meals is not inherently unhealthy. In fact, for most people, sipping water with food is completely fine—and in many cases, it can actually be beneficial.

The myth that water dilutes stomach acid and digestive enzymes enough to interfere with digestion has been circulating for decades. The theory goes that water “waters down” these critical substances, making it harder for your stomach to break down food efficiently. But here’s the thing: the human digestive system is remarkably adaptable and sophisticated. When you eat, your body automatically adjusts the production of stomach acid, enzymes, and other digestive fluids depending on the type and amount of food you consume. A moderate amount of water doesn’t significantly dilute these fluids. If anything, it can assist in breaking down food and transporting it through the digestive system more smoothly.