Eating is a common activity, but there are some post-meal habits that can have a big impact on our health. So, what should we avoid doing after a meal?
Loosening the belt after a meal
Many people feel bloated after a meal and like to loosen their belt. However, this can cause a decrease in intra-abdominal pressure, which can lead to conditions like gastric prolapse and upper abdominal discomfort.
Taking a shower immediately after a meal
Taking a shower right after a meal can increase blood flow to the skin, which reduces blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract. This can weaken digestive function and lead to long-term digestive problems.
Going to bed immediately after a meal
Going to bed right after a meal can contribute to weight gain. To maintain a healthy body weight, it's advisable to wait at least 20 minutes after a meal before lying down, even during nap time.
Eating fruits immediately after a meal
Many people finish their meal with a plate of fruit, thinking it's a healthy choice. However, this is not ideal. After food enters the stomach, it takes about 1-2 hours to digest. Eating fruits immediately after a meal can burden the digestive system and hinder the absorption of essential nutrients due to the dietary fiber present in fruits.
Taking a walk after a meal
Taking a walk after a meal diverts blood flow away from the digestive system, which slows down digestion and absorption. Therefore, "walking a hundred steps after a meal" is only suitable for people who are normally inactive, overweight, or have excessive gastric acid. For older adults with reduced heart function, hardened arteries, and impaired blood pressure regulation, walking immediately after a meal can lead to a drop in blood pressure.
Smoking a cigarette after a meal
Smoking is harmful to our health at any time, but smoking a cigarette after a meal has the greatest impact on the liver, brain, and cardiovascular system. After a meal, the body increases blood circulation to facilitate digestion and absorption. Smoking during this time allows harmful substances in the smoke to enter the body more easily through the increased blood flow.
Drinking tea after a meal
Drinking tea after a meal not only dilutes gastric juice and affects the digestive function of the stomach and intestines, but also the theophylline in tea can interfere with the absorption of proteins and micronutrients in food. Additionally, the tannins in tea can cause undigested protein to form indigestible precipitates in the stomach and intestines. Therefore, drinking tea after a meal has no benefits for digestion and nutrient absorption. It is best to drink tea before a meal or at least one hour after a meal.
