How Long Should You Wait To Swim After Eating?

Childhood summer vacations at the beach or backyard pool are likely to be filled with memories of sun lotion, snacks, and lots of fun. However, one thing you almost certainly remember is your mother telling you to wait after eating to go swimming - a wait that seemed like an eternity to our youthful selves. So how long should you wait?

There is no required waiting period after eating to swim. Swimming immediately after eating is perfectly safe. Additionally, cramps or muscle aches while swimming are quite uncommon. If such cramps or aches occur, they will be little more than a slight inconvenience.

Eating before swimming is no cause for concern. But what you eat may affect your swimming experience and how you feel. Continue reading to learn more.

How Long Should You Wait After Eating To Swim?

You've probably heard from your mother (who, in turn, probably heard the same thing from her mother) that you need to wait 30 minutes to an hour before going swimming. But, even if you haven't heard this 'rule' from your parents, you almost certainly have heard about it elsewhere. So, does this time limit after eating hold any bearing?

It turns out the answer is no. There is no link between eating and drowning. In fact, there is no evidence that swimming immediately after eating poses any threat. So, you can safely gobble down that ham and cheese sandwich before heading back into the waters, no matter what your mom may have told you (sorry, mom).

So, what about those cramps that should result from swimming too soon after eating? To those who are unfamiliar with what I am referring to, let me explain. The time limit after eating is usually set to prevent cramps.

More specifically, the time limit is put in place to prevent the pylorus, the gate between the stomach and intestines, from cramping up. These cramps are believed to leave the swimmer unable to stay above water.

Fortunately, suffering stomach cramps while swimming is unlikely, regardless of when the swimmer last ate. And if you're concerned about getting muscle cramps while swimming? That, too, is uncommon and will be more of a nuisance than a genuine danger.

Overall, there is no specific time restriction for getting back into the water after eating. Swimming immediately after eating is perfectly safe. But, take note, swimming is like any other form of exercise. So swimming too vigorously after eating may cause some discomfort, such as nausea.

What Should You Not Eat Before Swimming?

Although swimming after eating is perfectly safe, some foods can make your swimming experience much less enjoyable. So, whether you are swimming on a fun day out or preparing for a training session, the choice of foods you ingest before swimming can have a considerable impact on your performance and how your body feels.

Therefore, we have listed some foods that should best be avoided before swimming.

Avoid Alcohol Before Swimming

Okay, so I know that alcohol is not technically a food. But, it is, nevertheless, a common choice of beverage while at the pool or the beach. For that reason, I've included it on this list. Plus, alcohol is one refreshment that must be avoided at all costs when swimming. So I believe it merits some time to explain why.

Alcohol consumption significantly increases the likelihood of drowning and injury both in water and out. When alcohol is consumed, cognitive thinking is immediately affected. This can lead to impaired judgment, increased risk-taking, and a distorted perception of risk and one’s own abilities.

In fact, the effects of alcohol while swimming is so prevalent that it is estimated that 20% of drownings per year are alcohol-related. It is even more so for people aged 15-29, with 41% of all drownings attributed to alcohol. Based on these statistics, it is probably wise to avoid drinking alcohol near water. Better safe than sorry, right?

Avoid High-Fat Content Food Before Swimming

We all know that a warm summer’s day at the beach goes hand in hand with ice cream. Yum. But as much as it may seem harmless, opting for high-fat foods, such as ice cream, before your swim can put a damper on your swimming experience.

These foods can lead to indigestion and discomfort. Instead, consider opting for something on the lighter side, such as a sherbet or sorbet. These frozen treats are a great substitute.

Avoid Greasy And Fast Foods Before Swimming

These fried, sugar-laden meals are a nightmare for the digestive system. Foods such as fries, pizzas, burgers are full of saturated fats that stay in the digestive system for longer periods and are harder to digest.

Because these foods are so hard to digest, bloating, cramping, and gastrointestinal distress can occur. To lessen the possibilities of an unpleasant swimming experience, avoid these meals before swimming.

Avoid Spicy Foods Before Swimming

Sorry to all the spicy food fans out there. Spicy food is also on the 'best to avoid' list. Due to how your body is positioned while swimming, horizontally, acid reflux or heartburn can occur. This acid reflux can be exacerbated by spicy food.

Spicy foods and swimming can make you feel lousy. So, try to avoid these foods to have a more enjoyable experience in the water.

Avoid Carbonated Drinks Before Swimming

Sodas are flavorful drinks that are infused with carbon dioxide, which creates carbonation. These bubbles can make you feel full, gassy and can cause pain. Hence, it's best to stay away from carbonated drinks to avoid embarrassing scenarios and abdominal pain.

However, the effects of carbonated drinks can be short-lived and should not persist for more than an hour. So in case you experience abdominal pain, you may just have to sit out for a while before getting back in the water.

Conclusion

In summary, eating before swimming has no potential threats or dangers associated with it. So you can head back into the waters after a meal with peace of mind. However, certain foods can affect how your feel and your swimming experience.

Alcohol should be completely avoided before swimming. Spicy food and high-fat foods, on the other hand, should be best avoided for a more enjoy enjoyable swimming experience.