It’s a standard piece of recommendation floating round well being circles: drink a glass of water earlier than meals to handle blood sugar ranges. However does this straightforward behavior actually make a distinction, particularly for these dwelling with diabetes or prediabetes?
Some proponents consider that hydrating earlier than consuming can support digestion, decelerate the absorption of glucose, and probably cut back post-meal blood sugar spikes. Others argue that whereas hydration is important for total well being, its timing won’t considerably have an effect on glycaemic management.
So, does this tactic truly work, or is it simply one other wellness fable?
Licensed diabetes educator Kanikka Malhotra tells indianexpress.com, “Ingesting water earlier than meals could assist cut back postprandial (after consuming) blood sugar spikes, particularly in folks with kind 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. Water can improve the sensation of fullness, which can result in consuming much less and slower gastric emptying, each of which might blunt the rise in blood sugar after meals. Moreover, ample hydration helps kidney perform, which helps regulate glucose ranges by aiding within the excretion of extra sugar via urine.”
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Nonetheless, she says that water itself doesn’t immediately alter glucose metabolism or absorption within the intestine. The primary profit comes from selling satiety and supporting total metabolic well being.
Are there particular teams of people that would possibly profit extra from this behavior than others?
Based on Malhotra, people with kind 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance could profit extra from consuming water earlier than meals. For these teams, managing blood sugar spikes is very essential to stop problems. Ingesting water might help cut back calorie consumption and gradual the absorption of glucose, which can enhance glycemic management.
She notes, “Moreover, people who find themselves obese or have metabolic syndrome might see added advantages, as water can exchange sugary drinks and assist weight administration. Nonetheless, these with kidney or coronary heart points ought to seek the advice of a healthcare supplier earlier than rising water consumption to keep away from fluid overload.”
Might consuming water proper earlier than meals intrude with digestion or nutrient absorption in any manner, particularly for people with gastrointestinal circumstances?
For many wholesome people, Malhotra explains, consuming water earlier than or with meals doesn’t intrude with digestion or nutrient absorption. Water can truly support digestion by serving to to dissolve vitamins and transfer meals via the digestive tract.
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Nonetheless, in folks with sure gastrointestinal circumstances — equivalent to gastroparesis (delayed abdomen emptying) or extreme acid reflux disorder — massive quantities of water earlier than meals would possibly worsen signs by rising abdomen quantity and stress. “Having stated that, it’s greatest to drink smaller quantities of water and seek the advice of a healthcare skilled for personalised recommendation,” she mentions.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
