There’s no magic number, but experts eye-roll at anything over one litre in an hour. That’s like four big glasses. And if you’re chugging during a meal? Even less. Your stomach needs room to churn food and acid. A water-logged stomach is a lazy stomach—it can’t mix things properly, so acid sits on top, waiting to rebel.
The human stomach is full of stomach acid. Acid reflux or
You know that feeling after a massive salad? You’re stuffed, and then you sip water and gurgle? That’s your stomach saying, “Stop, you maniac.”
But What About Hydration Goals?
Don’t panic. You’re not doomed to choose between throat fire and dehydration. The trick is when and how you drink. Sip, don’t gulp. Keep it cool, not ice-cold (cold water can shock the LES into tightening, then relaxing). And never chase a meal with a water bottle Olympics.
If you’re dying of thirst, drink half an hour before you eat. Give your stomach a head start. That way, the water passes through before food arrives. It’s like cleaning the garage before parking the car—smart.
