It is indeed tempting to dive into various activities after a satisfying meal. But did you know that some post-meal practices can impact your health negatively? From indulging in certain behaviours to adopting unhealthy habits, there are several things you should not do after a meal to ensure optimal digestion and overall well-being. Let’s delve into these post-meal no-nos to understand how simple changes in our routine can lead to better health outcomes.
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Things you should not do after a meal
Eating fruits
- Consuming fruits immediately after meals might seem like a healthy dessert choice. But it can disrupt the digestive process.
- Fruits digest faster than grains, and when mixed with food and digestive juices, they can lead to fermentation and spoilage of the entire food mass.
- This improper combination hampers the digestive system, potentially causing discomfort and hindering the absorption of nutrients.
- It’s advisable to consume fruits separately, ideally on an empty stomach, to fully enjoy their nutritional benefits without compromising digestion.
Drinking water
- Consuming water during or immediately after a meal can disrupt the body’s natural temperature regulation during digestion.
- This interference leads to a lower body temperature, impacting the effectiveness of digestive processes.
- The dilution of digestive juices hinders their ability to break down food properly, causing it to stagnate and potentially result in issues like bloating, constipation, acidity, and even stomach ulcers over time.
- Ayurveda emphasizes the detrimental impact of this habit, likening it to a poison that contributes to significant weight gain.
- To support optimal digestion, cultivate the practice of drinking water at least 30 minutes after completing a meal, allowing your body to harmonize its natural processes.
Lying down
- Adopting the habit of lying down shortly after a meal or going to bed immediately after eating may contribute to insulin sensitivity and a sluggish metabolism.
- This, in turn, elevates the risk of weight gain, diabetes, and blood pressure issues.
- Optimal digestion occurs when we maintain an upright posture after eating, facilitating the digestive process.
- It’s advisable to wait at least two hours before lying down after a meal, supporting your body’s natural digestive rhythm and promoting overall health.
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Drinking tea
- Consuming tea, except for herbal varieties, immediately after a meal can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
- Tannins in tea bind with iron, zinc, and calcium, hindering their absorption.
- Regularly drinking tea after meals may result in iron deficiency, causing symptoms like fatigue, low haemoglobin, pale skin, and weakness over time.
- It is advisable to wait at least one hour after a meal before enjoying tea and preventing potential nutrient imbalances to maintain optimal nutrient absorption.
Bathing
- Bathing after meals is one of the things you should not do after a meal.
- After eating, our body performs digestion, demanding energy and efficient blood flow to the stomach.
- Yet, when we bathe, the body temperature drops, diverting blood from the stomach to the skin.
- This disharmony can lead to a sluggish digestive tempo, weakened intestines, and constipation.
- Allow at least a two-hour interlude between your feast and bath, letting the digestion happen undisturbed. Your body will thank you for the harmonious arrangement.
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Exercising
- Engaging in vigorous activities like swimming, dance classes, or exercising immediately after a meal disrupts the digestion process.
- The ideal post-meal practice is Vajrasana, a yoga pose aiding digestion.
- Alternatively, a gentle 15-minute walk supports digestion without imposing strain on the body.
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Smoking
- Smoking is detrimental at any time, but post-meal smoking intensifies its risks.
- Research indicates that one cigarette after a meal equates to the harm caused by 10 cigarettes concurrently.
- Smoking post-meal accelerates nicotine metabolism due to increased stomach blood flow, leading to faster and higher nicotine absorption.
- Quitting smoking is the optimal choice; alternatively, refraining from smoking after meals significantly reduces health risks.
Sex
- Avoid masturbation and sex immediately after a meal.
- Sexual activity increases blood flow to the genital area, potentially disrupting the digestive system and causing discomfort, bloating, and indigestion.
- Waiting for at least one hour after a meal before engaging in sexual intercourse is recommended for optimal digestion.
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Quick tips to enjoy your meals
- Wearing comfortable clothes is advisable, especially before meals, as overly tight clothing can contribute to acid reflux.
- Sitting in vajrasana for at least 10 minutes after meals can aid digestion.
- Maintaining a calm state of mind after eating is beneficial for digestion.
- Expressing gratitude while eating can enhance your overall dining experience.
- Appreciate the aroma, taste, texture and visual appeal of your food.
- Be mindful of your portions, and stop when you’re 80% full. It promotes better digestion and prevents overeating, contributing to overall health.
- Chew your food thoroughly. It aids digestion by breaking down the food into smaller particles, making it easier for your stomach to process and absorb nutrients.
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As we conclude our exploration of the things you should avoid doing after a meal, it’s essential to remember that minor adjustments in our post-meal habits can make a big difference in our overall health and well-being. By steering clear of activities like smoking, intense exercise, and indulging in certain habits immediately after eating, we can support our digestive system and promote better digestion, energy levels, and overall health. So, let’s prioritize mindful eating and adopt healthier post-meal practices to nourish our bodies and live our best lives.