We all know that everyone has their own habits after eating: some people immediately lie down on the sofa, some engage in intense sports, others brush their teeth immediately or decide to finish their meal with a coffee, herbal tea, or a glass of liqueur. These are actions that are part of our daily routine, but they aren't always the best choice for promoting proper digestion.
When it comes to what to do after lunch or dinner, in fact, it's not just a question of whether you can swim after eating or which foods are best avoided after a meal, like fried foods or dried fruit. Even our habits can affect the functioning of the stomach and, in some cases, contribute to problems like reflux, heartburn, or a feeling of slower digestion.
Simone Gabrielli, a nutritionist, will explain the 4 bad habits to avoid immediately after eating: a few simple steps can help your body reduce the risk of minor ailments. Some behaviors, though very common, can slow digestion or contribute to problems like reflux and heartburn.
1. Lying Down on The Sofa Immediately
After eating, it's best to avoid lying down immediately. In a horizontal position, stomach contents can push against the lower esophageal sphincter, encouraging gastric juices to flow back up into the esophagus and increasing the risk of reflux and heartburn. It's better to take a short, easy walk: walking for a few minutes can aid digestion without tiring the body.
2. Drinking Hot Herbal Teas or Spirits
Immediately after a meal, it's best to avoid both very hot drinks and spirits. Boiling hot herbal teas can irritate a gastric mucosa already busy digesting food. Even the classic after-dinner drink isn't a stomach ally: alcohol relaxes the cardia, the valve separating the stomach and esophagus, facilitating the reflux of gastric acid. If you want to drink herbal tea or hot coffee, it's best to wait at least 20-30 minutes. Furthermore, if you plan to go to bed early, it's always better to opt for a decaf.
3. Doing Intense Physical Activity
Exercising immediately after eating is not a good idea. During intense physical activity, some blood is directed to the muscles to supply them with oxygen, reducing the amount available to the stomach. As a result, digestion can slow down, and athletic performance can also be affected. After meals, it's best to choose a light activity, such as walking.
4. Brushing Your Teeth Immediately After Eating
Even brushing your teeth immediately after a meal may not be the best option, especially if you've consumed acidic foods or drinks. In these cases, the enamel is temporarily more vulnerable, and brushing immediately could cause further wear. Saliva needs about 30 minutes to help neutralize the mouth's acidity and promote enamel remineralization. For this reason, it's advisable to wait before brushing.
;Resize,width=767;)
