A recent Vietnamese health article warned against the habit of drinking water right after eating fruit, saying it can cause bloating, indigestion, or reduce nutrient absorption. While that advice reflects a long-standing folk concern in many Asian cultures, modern nutrition science offers a more nuanced picture. Below is an English rewrite of the original article — expanded by about 20% — combining traditional reasoning with updated evidence from reputable medical and nutrition sources.

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Why many people believe drinking water after fruit is unhealthy

Traditional reasoning holds that fruit already contains a lot of water and natural sugar. If you drink more water immediately afterward, it may dilute stomach acids, slow digestion, or lead to fermentation and bloating. The Vietnamese article notes that this habit could cause discomfort, especially when you’ve eaten fruits high in water and sugar such as watermelon, oranges, or grapes.

While these symptoms are genuine for some people, modern research shows the mechanism is different: the discomfort usually comes from overeating, rapid eating, or consuming fruit alongside heavy meals, not from water itself. (Harvard Health; Mayo Clinic).

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What actually happens in your digestive system

When you drink water after eating, your stomach adjusts its acidity almost instantly. Studies in human physiology show that normal gastric acid quickly rebalances, so a few sips of water do not significantly dilute stomach acid or impair digestion. However, drinking large volumes very quickly can momentarily make you feel full, slow stomach emptying, or worsen reflux if you’re prone to it. (Cleveland Clinic; NIH Digestive Diseases research).

For most healthy people, moderate hydration before, during, or after fruit or meals is completely fine — and even supports normal digestion. The key is moderation and awareness of your own comfort level.

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When the traditional caution makes sense

There are cases where avoiding water right after fruit can reduce discomfort:

• If you have a sensitive stomach or acid reflux: Fruit acids combined with rapid water intake may increase reflux symptoms or burping.

• If you eat very watery fruit on a full stomach: Watermelon, melon, or citrus eaten after a large meal, plus extra water, can cause bloating due to high water and fibre content fermenting in the gut.

• If you consume fruit rich in simple sugars: Rapid drinking can speed gastric emptying and cause sugar to reach the small intestine faster, possibly leading to temporary discomfort in sensitive individuals or those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (Mayo Clinic; NHS).

So while the “don’t drink water after fruit” rule isn’t universally necessary, there are contexts where it’s practical advice for comfort, especially for people with mild digestive sensitivity.

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What nutrition experts recommend instead

1. Stay hydrated throughout the day

Instead of gulping down water immediately after meals or fruit, drink small amounts regularly during the day. Proper hydration supports digestion and nutrient absorption. (Harvard School of Public Health).

2. Eat fruit at least 30 minutes before or after large meals

Many nutritionists recommend separating fruit intake slightly from heavy meals, not because of chemical reactions but to prevent bloating and make nutrient absorption more efficient. Fruit digests faster than most cooked foods, so spacing it out avoids overlapping digestive processes. (Mayo Clinic; Cleveland Clinic).

3. Limit very cold water right after fruit

Ice-cold water can briefly constrict stomach blood vessels and slow enzyme activity, increasing the chance of cramps or heaviness, particularly after citrus or mangoes. Room-temperature water is gentler on digestion. (Cleveland Clinic).

4. Know your body’s response

Some people digest fruit best on an empty stomach, others with meals. If you notice bloating or gas after eating fruit and drinking water, try spacing them apart by 20–30 minutes. The discomfort usually results from individual differences in digestion, not a universal rule. (Harvard Health).

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How fruit and water work together for health

Despite the old myth, water and fruit are both essential for health:

• Fruits like watermelon, oranges, and strawberries already supply 80–90% water, contributing significantly to daily hydration needs. (USDA).

• Adequate fluid intake (about 2–2.5 liters per day for most adults) helps maintain digestion, kidney function, and body temperature. (Mayo Clinic; CDC hydration guidelines).

So rather than avoiding water altogether, focus on timing, moderation, and balance.