Is it true that you shouldn’t take a bath after eating? An expert reveals it all

In our hectic life, when it comes to eating, there is no right time for it. Most of us make certain mistakes like sleeping after eating or not drinking enough water before and after the meal. Also, you must have heard many times from your mother that one should not take a bath immediately after a meal. Isn’t it? Often people know that taking a bath after eating food is not advisable but they remain unaware of the reason behind it. Are you one of them? If so, then we’re here with a reveal!

Here’s why it is advised not to take bath after eating

Showering after having a delicious meal may sound appealing but it should be avoided. “Having a bath after eating interrupts your body’s natural digestive timeline. And digestion needs lots of energy, for which a good amount of blood flow into the stomach is important. When you have a meal your body’s temperature gets slightly elevated as blood gets directed to your digestive organs. But if you have a shower right after having food, there will be a diversion in the blood flow. The blood that was directed towards the process of digestion starts flowing to other body parts, thus delaying digestion,” Dr Swathi Reddy (PT), Consultant Physiotherapist and certified diet counsellor and MIAP, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru shared with HealthShots.

Committing this mistake could lead to discomfort and stomach cramps. Plus, if you think you can take a hot bath then you should know that having a hot bath not only increases your body temperature, but also your heart rate. On a full stomach, it can feel quite unpleasant. You will also feel very sluggish post your shower.

Dr Reddy advised one to keep these things to mind before and after eating

Before eating:

1. Drink water

Drinking a glass of lukewarm water can help in preventing overeating and aids in digestion after eating.

2. Wear comfortable clothes

You should wear comfortable clothing while eating because tight fitting clothes can pressurize the abdomen and can cause regurgitation of food thereby causing heartburn.

3. Maintain hygiene

Maintaining hand hygiene is essential if you’re going to eat so wash your hands properly before indulging in a meal.

After eating:

1. Do not brush teeth immediate

Avoid brushing teeth after eating food immediately: Wait for at least 20 to 30 minutes, as brushing teeth immediately after eating can harm the enamel.

2. Do not perform any workout

Wait if you plan on working out after eating. There should be a gap of 30 to 45 minutes at the very least between your meal and exercise.

3. Take a walk

Go for a short walk, instead of engaging in a vigorous exercise routine or lying down to bed immediately after eating. You could go out for a short walk of 10 to 15 minutes, to help stimulate the digestion process

4. Do not sleep immediately

Sleeping immediately after eating can cause acid reflux and harm to the lining of your oesophagus. Give your body some time to begin digesting the food before you lie down. If the digestion process is interrupted, you may end up putting on more weight as well.

5. Avoid bathing after a meal

In the case of planning to take a bath, wait for an hour post your meals. And in case of a heavy meal you need to wait for some more time.

So, if you want to keep your digestive system healthy, do not make these mistakes and eat in moderation, concludes Dr Reddy.