Experts Warn That Drinking Water While Standing Can Cause Indigestion, Arthritis, Risks to the Lungs, and Kidney Issues.
Water plays a crucial role in the human body, contributing to the smooth and efficient functioning of various organs. However, merely monitoring daily water intake is not enough; understanding how to drink water is essential for better health.
Many people are accustomed to drinking water while standing. While you may not have considered whether this is right or wrong, it is not a scientific or reasonable position for hydrating the body. Dr. Vipul Rustgi, a general practitioner at Apollo Spectra in Delhi, India, has highlighted several health issues associated with the habit of standing while drinking water.
The habit of drinking water while standing is not beneficial for health. (Photo: Times Of India)
1. Indigestion
Drinking water while standing can adversely affect your digestive system. This is because when you drink while standing, the water enters your body at a high speed and force through the esophagus before directly falling into the stomach. According to Dr. Rustgi, the nervous system becomes stressed when a person drinks water quickly while standing, disrupting the fluid balance and leading to an increase in toxins and indigestion.
2. Triggering Arthritis
In addition to causing indigestion, drinking water while standing can lead to fluid accumulation in the joints, resulting in arthritis. Dr. Rustgi states, “Drinking water while standing can lead to fluid accumulation in the joints and cause arthritis issues as well as joint damage.”
3. Risks to the Lungs
When you drink water while standing, necessary nutrients and vitamins do not reach the liver and digestive tract. Instead, the water moves through the system very quickly, posing risks to your lungs and heart function due to disrupted oxygen levels.
4. Kidney Issues
Scientists have found that our kidneys filter better when sitting. When standing and drinking water, the fluid tends to go straight to a person’s stomach under high pressure without any filtering process. Dr. Rustgi notes that this causes impurities in the water to settle in the bladder and impair kidney function. This habit can even lead to urinary tract disorders.
The Best Position for Drinking Water
The correct posture is to sit down and keep your back straight while drinking water. This way, nutrients will reach the brain and improve brain function. Additionally, your digestive system will also improve, reducing the occurrence of discomfort and bloating.