Eat and drink warm for your belly
January 10, 2023
For the sake of your stomach, it’s good to eat little and often; we know that. But did you know that it can also be better to eat and drink warm or at least lukewarm?
The advice to eat and drink warm originates from the Indian philosophy of Ayurveda. The fundamental idea is that we are all different and therefore do not benefit from eating the same things. The focus is on getting to know our bodies and interpreting signals of hunger, satiety, cravings, and thirst. However, the general advice for everyone is to avoid cold food and drink and instead choose warm options.
Lukewarm or at least room temperature
Drink lukewarm water or at least at room temperature. Some find it easier to drink water when it’s a little warmer. If you have a carafe on the table, you’ll be reminded to drink a bit more. Feel free to squeeze some lemon juice into the water; it effectively alkalizes the body and improves digestion. As I mentioned earlier, it’s better to drink before or after meals to avoid unnecessarily diluting digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid. We need them for digestion, and many of us already have low levels as it is. Drink half an hour before or one and a half hours after a meal.
To eat or drink food directly from the fridge is not recommended
Many people eat yogurt and cottage cheese for breakfast or lunch, and they can be really icy cold when taken directly from the fridge. Pour them into a bowl and let them sit out for a while before eating. If you’re going to have frozen berries, thaw them a bit in the microwave or on the stove so your stomach doesn’t get shocked.
And most importantly, take your time during meals. A few long, deep breaths all the way down to your stomach before you eat activates digestion and prepares your body.
Sofia Antonsson
Reg. Dietitian, Belly Balance
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