Most of us believe that drinking a glass of water in a few fast gulps is the healthiest way to satisfy thirst. Be it post-exercise or on a hot day, or with meals, gulping water feels quick and satisfying. However, wellness experts are now questioning whether speed is beneficial. They reveal that the way we drink matters as much as the amount we have. A recent trend, known as the "chewing water" habit, claims to promote digestion, improve hydration efficiency, and help avert the heaviness or bloating feeling that can come after drinking water too quickly. Though you may feel quite strange about it, most people who have tried this method feel astonishingly relaxed and comfortable in the whole system.
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Take this two-minute read to know about what chewing water means, its benefits, how to practice, and the science behind this method.
What Is the New Technique “Chewing Water”?
Chewing water is the practice of swirling and moving water in your mouth as if you were chewing food before swallowing it. The primary goal is not to chew water, but to stimulate saliva secretion, encourage mindful sipping, and support digestive functions and hydration. This method is associated with traditional Ayurvedic practice, which emphasises drinking water slowly and blending it with saliva. This practice counteracts the modern habit of gulping water too fast, which may dilute stomach acids temporarily.
Also Read: Drinking Water Before or After Meals? Ayurveda’s Best Timing for Better Digestion
The Science Behind Chewing Water
Though you cannot digest water the same way food is digested, this method offers numerous physiological effects,
Saliva Activation
Chewing triggers the parotid glands, increasing saliva production.
Saliva contains:
Digestive enzymes (amylase and lipase)
Electrolytes
Antibacterial compounds
Mixing saliva with water sets up the stomach and maintains digestive pH, thereby improving nutrient absorption.
Controlled Swallowing Helps Hydration
Rapid drinking can cause a temporary drop in sodium levels and less water absorption due to fast passage via the gastrointestinal tract, putting pressure on the kidneys to balance excess water intake. On the other hand, chewing water slows down this process, allowing for gradual absorption.
Neurological Benefits
Mindful chewing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for relaxing the human body, the rest and digest response, and keeps the mind calm and relaxed.
Preventions of Stomach Shock
Very cold water can constrict blood vessels and slow digestion. Chewing room-temperature water regulates intake and prevents this sudden impact.
Health Benefits Of Chewing Water
Better Digestion
When water is slowly swished and chewed, your mouth produces more saliva and contains digestive enzymes like amylase. This method helps to balance stomach acidity, promote digestion, and reduce bloating and other gastrointestinal discomfort.
Improves Hydration Efficiency
This method supports slow drinking of water, giving the system the needed time to absorb fluids more effectively. This process prevents frequent urination caused by guzzling water, electrolyte imbalances, and temporary stomach issues.
Manages Weight
Mindful hydration is a proven scientific method that slows down the drinking process and signals fullness to the brain. This may prevent you from overeating, help control unwanted cravings, and support weight loss.
Prevents “Water Drunk” Feeling
Gulping large volumes of water quickly can cause certain discomforts such as nausea, stomach heaviness, hiccups, and temporary electrolyte dilution, while slow slipping or chewing water prevents these issues.
Good Oral Health
Chewing water stimulates saliva secretion, which helps in neutralising stomach acids in the mouth, lowers bacterial growth, safeguards the enamel, and freshens breath.
How To Practice Chewing Water?
Well, you don’t literally chew water like food, but you simulate chewing movements. Follow these simple steps:
Take a small sip of water, not a large gulp.
Hold it in your mouth and move it around gently.
Make chewing-like motions, mixing the water thoroughly with saliva.
Swallow slowly, without forcing it down.
Repeat with each sip.
How Often to Do It?
You can practice this:
Every day, especially in the morning.
Before and after meals.
When dehydrated, but want to avoid water bloating.
Best Water Temperature
Ayurvedic guidelines recommend:
Room-temperature or warm water
Avoid very cold water as it may slow digestion.
Is Chewing Water Safe?
Yes, chewing water is totally a safe practice; however, this should not replace your regular water intake, just modify the manner in which you drink. It is basically a mindfulness-based hydration technique that promotes overall gut health and digestive well-being.
Conclusion
Chewing water may seem like a weird concept, but it integrates the age-old wisdom with modern science. This habit slows down your drinking process and activates bodily mechanisms naturally, thereby improving hydration, digestion, and overall wellness.
References:
https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/the-chewing-water-technique-why-gulping-water-may-not-be-ideal-for-better-hydration-and-digestion/articleshow/125
Towards human well-being through proper chewing and safe swallowing: multidisciplinary empowerment of food design
Author links open overlay panelDongxiao Sun-Waterhouse a b, Wenyi Kang a, Changyang Ma a, Geoffrey I.N. Waterhouse a
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