Do You Nap After a Meal? It Could Be Dangerous to Your Health.
Dr. Zayad Ahmed, a family physician at the National Hospital, Abuja, has advised people to avoid lying down immediately after a meal as such habits could be responsible for common abdominal pains.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that such practice could lead to indigestion and abdominal pains.
He explained that the body is made to digest food upright after a meal and everything should be done to support such a process.
People should try to avoid anything that can trigger off stomach upset and abdominal pains,’’ he said.
The doctor emphasized that the common experience of discomfort in the stomach and abdominal pain is either indigestion, gastric or wind, which is the breath of normal breathing and talking.
Other medical professional also explained that eating too much could also be a predisposing factor to abdominal pains, adding that one should eat moderately at all times.
He further said that gas-generating foods like beans whether dried beans, soya beans, baked beans when consumed, may cause changes in digestion and can cause abdominal pain.
He also said that people should avoid eating too much spicy and oily foods as they could cause diarrhoea or constipation that could lead to cramps in the stomach and cause abdominal pains.The physician said that stress also increased the production of gastric acid in the stomach that could lead to pains in the abdomen.
Expert advises individual to exercise regularly and engage in relaxation activities to keep your stress in check and the body functional. But there are some abdominal pains that are severe and life-threatening like gastro-intestinal diseases such as stomach ulcers, gallstones or cancer, it is important to go for a medical check-up.
See the doctor immediately if you feel severe pain in your abdomen or you has serious abdominal discomfort for days.
You should be able to describe what you are experiencing so it can easily be diagnosed and the right treatment given,” he said.
He, however, explained that the normal abdominal pains were less dangerous conditions that can be managed without the need for any major interventions. (NAN)
What we don’t know, however, is that many of these daily habits may cause our bodies harm in very subtle ways — like our delicate digestive system, which needs particular care to keep healthy.
Many of these actions could take heat and energy away from your stomach, and as a result, slow down the process of digestion, causing you problems in the future.
What are the Things you’ve hopefully been doing right? And what are the things you should ideally avoid doing after a meal?
- BAD: Going Out For A Stroll: Most people believe that taking a walk after directly eating may help get the stomach juices flowing and aid digestion. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Activities like walking after a meal can produce acid reflux and indigestion. Walking is a good way to burn energy, though. Ideally, you should not walk for more than 10 minutes, and only begin walking at least 30 minutes after you’ve finished eating.
- BAD: Eating Fruit: Many people go on to eat fruit right after they finish their meal. It turns out, there is an appropriate time to eat fruits. It’s good to know that almost all fruits are easily digested because they contain simple sugars. However, when you eat fruits right after a meal, the fruit can’t pass swiftly along into the intestine to be digested. Instead, it will be “stuck” together with the contents of your meal. That’s why you really shouldn’t eat any fruit within the first hour after finishing your meal.
- BAD: Drinking Tea: Many teas have strong anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties that greatly benefit our health. However, many nutritionists don’t recommend ingesting either of these drinks after eating. Tea contains something called polyphenols and tannins, components that bind the iron in plant foods. This makes it slightly harder for us to absorb any iron that may have been in our meals. That’s why you should ideally start drinking tea at least an hour after finishing up your meal. Pay attention if you are iron-deficient!
- BAD: Taking A Nap: Because the juices are acidic by nature, they will burn the inner layer of your food pipe. This is why some people experience a slight burning sensation when they lay down right after finishing their meal. To avoid this, only start sleeping at least two hours after you’ve had your meal.
- BAD: Taking A Bath: When we take a warm shower or bath, the temperature in our body rises. In order to lower this temperature, our bodies pump more blood outward toward the surface of our skin, in order for the heat to be released. As a result, the blood and energy that would otherwise have been used by the stomach to digest our food is not being properly used.
- BAD: Smoking: For many, smoking has become a communal activity after meals. Meaning, you’ll have a cigarette with your friends, coworkers, or family only after having a meal.
Do you do any of these after a meal? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments section below!
- GOOD: Drinking Warm Water
- GOOD: Chatting With Family Or Friends
- GOOD: Wearing Loose Clothes: In order to prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), avoid wearing tight clothing, belts, or anything that would potentially constrict your stomach and waist. It’s good to remember to wear loose-fitting clothes both before and after you eat a meal.
Did you learn something new about the things you shouldn’t do directly after eating a meal?
Let us know in the comments, and please SHARE these article to remember with family and friends!
Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.
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