July 9, 2009 2:33 pm

5 Things You Shouldn't Do After Eating

After eating, we tend to want to move, relax or eat even more. Surprisingly, common after eating practices aren't the most natural or healthy for the body. We all know the rule from childhood: wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming or risk cramping and drowning. Whether this is a wives' tale...that is debatable. But these tips aren't myths, and thus, here's top after eating no-nos and how to keep your stomach satisfied after it's full.

1. Although most people have a sweet craving after a big meal, don't eat fruits immediately. This will cause the stomach to bloat with air. Enjoy fruit an hour or two after your meal, or rather, an hour before.

2. Don't drink tea -- shocking right? Tea leaves actually contain a high acid content. This substance will cause the protein content in the food to harden and become more difficult to digest. Afternoon tea has the perfect time slot for a reason.

3. Don't bathe! Bathing will cause an increase of blood flow to the hands, legs and body and subsequently decrease the amount of blood flow around the stomach. This will weaken your digestive system.

4. Don't walk about. People always say that after a meal, walk a hundred steps and you will live till 99. In fact, this is far from true. Walking too soon after eating can disrupt the digestive system and interfere with its ability to absorb nutrients. A post dinner stroll is great for health and calorie burning, but give yourself at least 30 minutes after eating before you get moving.

5. Don't sleep immediately. Although eating a big meal might make you tired, the food cannot digest properly when you're lying horizontal. Disrupted digestion can lead to gas and intestinal infection. Now you know why no one wants to go near Dad when he's napping on the couch after Thanksgiving dinner.

—Divya Gugnani

— Written by Divya Gugnani

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