What not to eat before swimming
What not to eat before swimming (photo: pixabay.com)
Many of us have heard the statement that swimming should be avoided after eating because cramps could occur.
Foodnetwork discusses which foods should be avoided before diving into the water.
What to know about food and swimming
Eating something to fuel up, including before swimming, is always a good idea, but it's important to give yourself time to digest those nutrients.
While having food in your stomach won’t make you drown, as superstitions might suggest, there are several significant reasons to allow time for digestion before taking a swim.
Several physiological changes occur when you immerse yourself in water. The temperature shift and increased movements of your arms and legs during swimming redirect blood flow away from your core (where your stomach is located). This shift can lead to abdominal discomfort and mild cramping if you're actively digesting food.
Similar to how you might feel the urge to use the restroom immediately after jumping into the water, this can be explained by the water pressure pressing against your abdomen.
These body functions are entirely normal, and adjusting to them involves considering digestion time and avoiding certain foods.
Foods to avoid before swimming
French fries
Forget about this food before heading into the water. Fried foods high in fat content, such as French fries, take much longer to digest - the same goes for fried chicken, mozzarella sticks, and other favorite snacks.
Spicy foods
A beach day might not be the best time for a lot of spicy food. Remember the spice level to avoid potential stomach upset that could disrupt your swimming plans.
Alcohol
Having a cocktail by the pool is one of life's greatest pleasures, but minimize alcoholic drinks when heading into the water. Alcohol not only impairs your ability to swim but can also exacerbate dehydration during a day spent under the hot sun. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water between ordering cocktails.
Coffee
Caffeinated beverages like coffee can speed up digestion, stimulating the natural movement of food through the digestive tract. Since water already creates additional pressure, minimize caffeine intake immediately before swimming.
Heavy salads
A large bowl filled with raw vegetables and other high-fiber additions like beans, avocado, nuts, and seeds can lead to a feeling of excessive fullness if not fully digested before swimming.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
