Time and again our elders have warned us against bathing straight after eating. Occasionally, we’ve even checked ourselves, haven’t we? But have you ever stopped to wonder why that is so? Is it really harmful to shower or bathe immediately after eating? How does it affect our health? In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Supriya Roy, Loop's In-House Medical Advisor, Pune, shares answers to some burning questions.
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Is It Okay To Bathe After Eating?
“Taking a bath after having food causes impaired blood flow,” said Dr Roy, adding that the process in turn lowers blood supply to the digestive system and can cause indigestion, abdominal ache, heaviness, and other symptoms.
Bathing, in general, is said to induce a hyperthermic action, which increases internal body temperature by one or two degrees and proves beneficial for the body. It not only improves blood flow but also strengthens the immune system, relaxes the nervous system and also helps flush out toxins. However, after eating, your body already is at a raised body temperature, attributing to the increased blood flow to the digestive organs. The theory is that bathing after eating can confuse your body and instead of increased blood flow to the digestive system, it goes into a hyperthermic action, disrupting the digestive process.
Dr Roy further explained, “In the case of a cold shower, chilled water can alter body temperature and constrict blood vessels, which can restrict proper blood flow. A hot shower, on the other hand, could lead to increased heart rate and light-headedness due to blood vessel dilation and low blood pressure. So, it's recommended to avoid bathing immediately after eating, regardless of the water's temperature.”
How Long Should You Wait To Take A Bath After Eating?
Dr Roy recommends waiting at least an hour or more after a meal before bathing. “The body needs energy and a robust blood flow to your stomach for proper digestion. Bathing could disturb this process as the body diverts blood flow to your organs to manage the temperature,” she explains.
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Other Things To Avoid Straight After Eating
Besides bathing, there are a few things to avoid after eating. These include:
- Smoking, as it facilitates increased absorption of harmful chemicals immediately after a meal
- Sleeping, as it can lead to indigestion and heartburn, and in some cases, may contribute to metabolic disorders
- Engaging in vigorous exercise, as it can divert the blood flow away from your digestive system, hampering digestion
- Consuming fruits, as it could interfere with digestion due to the difference in digestion times between fruit and other foods
Bottomline
The digestive process is a complex one. It requires blood flow and any interruptions can hamper its functions. Bathing straight after eating can do just that. This is why it is always advisable to wait an hour or more after eating to bathe or take a shower.