Should you really avoid drinking cold water with a raclette? This doctor finally responds

A raclette is the perfect combination of melted cheese, potatoes and cold meats. However, an old belief persists: cold water is the sworn enemy of this convivial dish. Myth or reality? Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and columnist, explains for France Bleu why this idea has some truth. Before serving yourself another portion of raclette, find out what you need to know to preserve your digestion and fully enjoy your meal.

According to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, drinking cold water with a raclette is not a good idea for your digestion. “Cold water can solidify the cheese inside the stomach, making the pieces harder to digest,” he explains. Indeed, gastric juices, essential for breaking down food, see their effectiveness reduced under the effect of cold. The result: your stomach works more slowly, which can lead to a feeling of heaviness. Furthermore, the combination of saturated fats contained in cheese with cold water creates an even more indigestible mixture for your digestive system.

The doctor advises making informed choices: “I’m not going to tell you to drink white wine, although you can consume it in moderation, but rather opt for lukewarm or room temperature water.” These alternatives avoid disrupting the action of gastric juices and help your stomach better digest fats. For lovers of tea or infusions, these options can also be interesting as an accompaniment to a rich meal like raclette. If you want to avoid digestive discomfort after raclette, leave aside the iced water and opt for drinks at room temperature.