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Is it true that we should wait to swim after eating?

Should we wait 2 hours after eating before swimming? Discover what science says about the famous myth of 'digestion interruption' that intrigues us every summer. ?‍♀️?...
Author: Patricia Alegsa
26-11-2024 11:33







  1. The eternal summer debate
  2. The truth behind the myth
  3. When heat and cold play hide and seek
  4. Tips for a Smooth Summer

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The eternal summer debate





Summer arrives and with it, the opportunity to dive into the water as if there were no tomorrow. But just when you are about to plunge into the water, your grandmother shoots you a withering look and reminds you: "Wait two hours after eating!"

Sound familiar? This unwritten rule has been passed down from generation to generation, like a cookie recipe that no one dares to modify. But does it really have any basis?


The truth behind the myth



The belief that we should wait to swim after eating is more ingrained than the love for ice cream on a hot day. However, science is not so convinced.

According to the Spanish Red Cross, there is no scientific evidence to support this popular warning.

Eating before diving in does not seem to be a direct ticket to drowning. In fact, a study mentioned by Mel Magazine debunks this ancient theory and classifies it as yet another myth.

So, what is the truth? The confusion lies in hydroshock, a term that sounds more like a Harry Potter spell than a real medical phenomenon.

This thermodifferential shock occurs when your warm and relaxed body suddenly plunges into cold water. It's like when you step out of the hot shower and someone opens the door: a sudden change that leaves you frozen.

The Spanish Society of Emergency and Urgent Care Physicians (SEMES) points out that this phenomenon can affect your cardiovascular and respiratory systems.


When heat and cold play hide and seek



It is true that, during digestion, blood flow is concentrated in the digestive system. But the real problem is not digestion itself, but rather those temperature changes that could make you feel like you’ve gulped down a slushy too quickly.

If you’ve overindulged, run a marathon, or have been sunbathing like a lizard, the risk increases. The Red Cross explains: it’s not that the two-hour rule is a golden rule, but rather a piece of advice to avoid unpleasant surprises.

To clarify the term, "hydrocution" resembles an aquatic "electrocution," but without the electric part (thank goodness!). If you feel dizzy or have a headache after a dip, you might be experiencing the effects of this phenomenon.

In extreme cases, it could lead to cardiac arrest, but don’t panic: it’s not as common as finding sand in your beach sandwich.


Tips for a Smooth Summer



Although the "digestion interruption" is more myth than reality, it's wise to be cautious. Here are some tips to enjoy the water without worries:

- Gradually introduce your body to the water, just like when you taste soup to avoid burning your tongue.

- Avoid heavy meals before swimming. You wouldn't want to feel like a stuffed turkey when you enter the water.

- If you've been exercising or sunbathing, let your body cool down before swimming, as if you were waiting for a cup of coffee to cool down.

So the next time you face the post-lunch and splash dilemma, you can make informed decisions. And who knows, you might even impress your grandmother with your newfound knowledge. Happy summer and happy diving!



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