Digestive discomfort is not always caused by the food on your plate, but often by how you eat and drink during meals. For example, drinking a large glass of water in the middle of a meal, meant to help digestion, can actually make it harder for the stomach to process food. Symptoms like bloating, a swollen stomach, or the need to loosen your belt after a long meal are often blamed on the food itself, but they may instead be the result of specific eating habits. One common habit that can interfere with digestion is drinking too much during a meal, especially in large gulps. This can dilute the stomach’s gastric juices, which are essential for breaking down food. As a result, digestion slows down, food may sit in the stomach longer, and fermentation can occur, leading to discomfort. Cold or carbonated drinks can make this problem worse. Chewing food thoroughly is a key part of digestion, as it begins in the mouth. If food isn’t chewed enough, larger pieces reach the stomach, requiring more work and time to digest. Large portions, especially during big meals, combined with carbonated beverages, can contribute to bloating and discomfort. The solution, according to guidelines from the French Health Insurance, lies in making a few simple changes. Eating more slowly, reducing portion sizes, and drinking still water at room temperature in small sips—rather than gulping down large amounts—can help. Putting down the fork between each bite gives the body time to process the food more effectively. Before blaming certain foods for digestive issues, it’s worth reconsidering how you eat. Small changes, like slowing down, chewing thoroughly, and sipping water instead of gulping, can make a big difference. These adjustments can help eliminate what seem like "impossible" digestion problems, allowing for more comfortable and enjoyable meals.