10 Things You Should Never Do After Eating a Meal

All your life, you have probably been doing habits that may danger you and your body, but of course you are not aware of them. Did you know that there are particular things you should never do after eating a meal? If you are curious about them, here is a list of things that should not be done after eating your meals.

1. Taking A Shower Or Bath

This is something a lot of people are guilty of. Little do they know, taking a bath or a shower after eating is a no no. Keep in mind that when you eat, your stomach needs a good amount of blood for proper digestion. When you take a shower or a bath after a meal, this may interfere the digestion process. There will be less blood flow around your stomach. Aside from this, it weakens the digestive system. Experts say that it is best to wait for about 30 minutes before you rush to the shower after a meal.

1. Wearing Tight-Fitting Clothes

When eating a meal, you should allow your stomach to properly digest the food you have eaten. This means wearing tight-fitting clothes during meal time can put pressure on your abdomen, which may lead to heartburn. Of course, you don’t want that to happen. As much as possible, wear loose and comfortable clothes when eating something. On the other hand, if there is a need to go out for lunch or dinner and you have to wear something fitting, you may change into loose clothes the moment you get home. In addition, wearing light and loose clothes can help you sleep better. It decreases your body temperature, helping you sleep comfortably.

1. Sleeping

A lot of people are probably guilty of this one. No matter how sleepy you are, it is never healthy to sleep right after a meal. If you lie down or take a nap after eating, chances are, the digestive juices in your stomach will travel in opposite direction. They travel into your food pipe and this can burn the inner layer of your esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation. As much as possible, make it a point not to sleep right after eating your meal. Try to do other activities that can prevent you from sleeping or taking a nap.

1. Never Drink Tea Or Coffee After A Meal

Tea and coffee are known for their health benefits. They reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and provide antioxidants to the body. However, drinking them right after a meal should not be done. This is because both tea and coffee are packed with substances that can affect proper absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. In fact, they contain tannins and polyphenols that are known to inhibit the absorption of iron in the body. When this happens, it may lead to anemia or iron deficiency. Aside from this, the acid content of the tea may harden the protein content. As it occurs, your digestive system may find it hard to process the food. It is advisable to drink tea or coffee one hour after your meal.

1. Heavy Exercise Or Moving Too Much

A heavy exercise or doing something that requires moving too much when you just had your meal is obviously something you should never do. A heavy exercise specifically at night is not a healthy thing to do because it significantly raises the temperature of your body and hinders proper digestion. For instance, if you do a cardio session after your dinner, this can prevent the release of melatonin, an essential hormone responsible for regulating sleep. This also signifies that exercising after your dinner can interfere your body’s ability to fall asleep. Doing so can also leave you feeling lethargic and sluggish. Aside from this, it promotes stomach pain or cramping. In some cases, it may lead to nausea, vomiting and acid reflux.

1. Brushing Your Teeth

Normally, people would say that it is important to brush your teeth after eating. Yes, it is vital for dental health but don’t do it immediately after eating. According to the American Dental Association, brushing your teeth before going to bed is essential for overall oral health. This can neutralize the PH of the mouth and get rid of plaque. When you are done eating, it is recommended to wait about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.

1. Smoking Is Bad

As always, smoking is not good for your health specifically right after eating a meal. According to a study, smoking a stick of cigarette after a meal is equivalent to 10 cigarettes. With this, it may increase the risk of lung cancer, ulcerative colitis and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Smoking after a meal may lead to heartburn because it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter of your body. Remember that a stick of cigarette alone is packed with 60 carcinogens. Needless to say, smoking is not good at all.

1. Taking A Walk

Walking is good for you, however you should consider a perfect time for doing it. For instance, it is not good to take a little stroll after eating a meal. This may cause stomach upsets and indigestion. Aside from this, it can promote acid reflux. If you really want to take a walk after eating, wait about an hour before doing so. The main point here is, there is a right time for walking.

1. Drinking Cold Water

Water is essential for proper digestion. However, you should not drink cold water after a meal. This is because it can lead to clumping of food, which results in poor digestion process.

1. Eating Fruits After A Meal Is Not Healthy

Fruits are known for their health benefits. However, people need to know that various foods digest at different speeds. When you eat fruits, they are digested faster and easier. However, some fruits require different enzymes to properly digest them. If you eat them right after your meal, chances are, your digestive system won’t be able to process them properly. This may lead to bloating. If you really want to eat fruits, it is best to consume them in the morning or before eating any meal.