5 Things You’d Better Avoid After a Meal

Many of us live with a constant lack of time, and it cannot but affect our daily routine. In order to get to work on time, we wash down our breakfast with tea and quickly jump in the shower, both seemingly harmless things.

Bright Side decided to figure out exactly what we shouldn’t do after a meal and why.

Take a shower

When we take a shower or a bath, the temperature of our body slightly increases. To cope with this, the body sends a little more blood to the skin than usual. This can disrupt the digestive process and slow metabolism.

The best time to start water procedures is 30 minutes after a meal.

Source: ncbi

Drink tea

For some of us, a cup of hot tea after eating is an integral part of a meal. But studies show that this harmless drink interferes with the assimilation of iron, a mineral which plays a significant role in the human body. Therefore, children, pregnant women, and people suffering from a lack of iron should avoid drinking tea within an hour of eating.

Adults would be better off with a cup of coffee which, on the contrary, should not be drunk on an empty stomach, or they should limit themselves to a glass of water.

Source: ncbi, thehealthsite, doctoroz

Sleep

The myth that eating before going to sleep is a direct cause of excess weight was dispelled long ago. Nevertheless, we clearly shouldn’t ignore the rest of the harm it can cause. Sleeping on a full stomach causes inconveniences such as heartburn, burping, and high acidity. In addition, it has been proved that regular sleep immediately after lunch or dinner increases the risk of a stroke.

Experts agree that it’s better to go to bed no less than 2 hours after eating.

Source: webmd, thehealthsite

Work out

No matter how tempting it is to power up your body with a good meal and then start a workout, experts do not advise it. Loads on a full stomach can lead to discomfort, such as hiccups and nausea, as well as more serious consequences: increased risk of trauma and convulsions.

If you still cannot wait to train after eating, it’s better to limit yourself to a quiet walk and start exercising at least 2 hours later.

Source: cnn/webmd, today

Smoke

Almost all the systems in our body are involved during the active digestive process. At this point, nicotine will be absorbed with a double force, thus greatly increasing all its harmful effects. In addition, it’s proved that tobacco can block the absorption of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamins C and D, negating the effect of even the healthiest meal.

Of course, it’s better to give up smoking completely. But if you constantly smoke and still cannot refuse a cigarette after a meal, give your body at least 20 minutes without tobacco.

Source: ncbi, bbcgoodfood