Why does my stomach get upset when I drink water? (2023)

Why does drinking water give me an upset stomach?

While studies suggest that drinking water on an empty stomach can aid digestion by flushing your system, some people may feel nauseous after drinking water on an empty stomach. If you feel sick after drinking a lot of water on an empty stomach, it could be from diluted stomach acid (acid reflux).

There's no concern that water thins down or weakens down (dilute) the digestive juices or interfere with digestion. In fact, drinking water during or after a meal helps how your body breaks down and processes food (digestion). Water is vital for good health.

Drinking water on an empty stomach helps in cleansing your bowels. It creates an urge to move the bowel and therefore helps to regulate your digestive tract. If you experience difficulty while passing motion or if you feel constipated, drink plenty of water as it helps in clearing the waste from your body.

Food sensitivities or intolerances can cause a sensitive stomach. It may be caused by medical conditions such as IBS or IBD in some situations. Foods that tend to upset a sensitive stomach include spicy foods, high-fat foods, dairy, and processed foods.

Such problems can be the result of bacteria in food, infection, stress, certain medications, or chronic medical conditions such as colitis, Crohn's disease, and IBS. But no matter the cause, anyone who has frequent digestive problems faces daily challenges and potential embarrassments.

Overview. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion/dyspepsia, bloating and constipation are common in the community.

Takeaway. After you drink water, it doesn't take long at all for your body to absorb it. Unlike foods, water can be “digested” in as little as 5 minutes. Excess water leaves your body through urination and feces but is also excreted by sweating.

Outlook. It's important to drink enough water during the day, however, it can be disruptive if you drink directly before bed. Avoid drinking water or any other fluids at least two hours before sleeping to prevent waking up at night.

What happens when you start drinking enough water?

You'll feel less hungry and may even lose weight. You'll probably experience more comfortable digestion (less heartburn). Bowel movements might be easier and more regular. Your teeth and gums will be healthier and more resilient.

As drinking too much water can disrupt your body's electrolyte balance and lead to hyponatremia, 3 liters (100 ounces) may be too much for some people.

Your organs may become less efficient and may not work as well as they once used to, including your digestive tract, or your gut. The muscles that make up your gut become stiffer, weaker and less efficient, and your body doesn't form new cells as quickly as they once could.

Frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn could be signs that your gut is having a hard time processing food and eliminating waste. You feel tired more often than not. People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in the gut.

Call your doctor if you have abdominal pain that lasts 1 week or longer, if your pain doesn't improve in 24 to 48 hours, if bloating lasts more than 2 days, or if you have diarrhea for more than 5 days.

Gastrointestinal (GI) exams are X-ray exams that examine your GI tract, including your esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum. A type of X-ray called fluoroscopy allows health care providers to take video images of the organs in action.

Drinking water on an empty stomach increases the body's efficiency to fight against infections. As being mentioned above, drinking water right after you wake up will help flush out toxins. As water keeps your body hydrated, it is vital for the proper functioning of internal organs.

How much water should you drink on an empty stomach?

According to Step to Health, drinking at least 3 glasses of water on an empty stomach can reduce the level of acidity in your stomach, resulting in a decrease in frequency of cramps that cause gastritis.

Drinking water on an empty stomach provides many great health benefits. Staying hydrated is great for your skin, your metabolism and your energy levels. There are even more added benefits to drinking water on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning.

Sufficient water intake helps in flushing out toxins from the body and gives a boost to the metabolism. And drinking a glass or two of warm water in the morning can help you in losing weight and belly fat.