How long after eating should you wait to swim?

Our parents used to forbid us to go swimming after dinner. We had to wait at least an hour before we could jump into the water. Were they right then?

It used to be thought that it was not healthy to swim within an hour after eating because a lot of blood is needed for digestion in the gastrointestinal tract after the meal. We would then lack that blood in the heart, brain and muscles, causing us to drown. It was also feared that we would vomit into the water and suffocate.

But today we know that swimming immediately after eating is not dangerous for healthy people. But in the following cases it is better to stay aside for an hour after a very heavy meal but also after excessive alcohol consumption, in case of known heart complaints, known lung diseases and for people with obesity.

If you feel nauseous or light-headed while swimming, you should get out of the water immediately.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024