Do You Have To Wait 30 Minutes To Swim After Eating?
October 4, 2022
swimming after eating

We all love to enjoy our swimming pool on a hot summer day, but you have to make time to eat. We have all heard that you must wait at least 30 minutes to an hour after eating to swim again. Did you know that was a myth? Some parents do recommend you still wait because swimming is a form of exercise. However, the truth is that you don’t have to wait, you can just keep swimming.

Swimming Is Exercising

When you are doing any form of working out, you should eat 30-60 minutes prior as you need to give your body time to digest the food fully. Swimming is considered an exercise due to the fact that it uses every muscle in your body; in fact, it is considered a full-body workout.

When you swim too soon after eating, you are not allowing your body to digest the meal, causing severe cramps and stomachaches. This is just like with any sport. Once you have given the food time to digest, it can release all the proper nutrients and energy you need to complete your workout. Eating before exercising can cause:

  • Bloating
  • Low energy
  • Drowsiness
  • Acid reflux
  • Diarrhea

This is very important if you are competitively or vigorously swimming in the water. If you are having a good time with family and friends, you are allowed to step back and take breaks whenever you please, making it hard for you to get cramps and stomach pains.

Why is It A Myth?

The myth was created based on getting minor stomach cramps while swimming. We all know any cramp hurts badly, however, according to many different doctors, they have no problems that have occurred when swimming right after eating. You’re just experiencing the same cramps that you would with any other exercise.

It was always said that if you swam after eating some of the blood may be diverted to your gut so that you can digest, diverting the bloodstream away from your arms and legs and causing you to drown. According to Dr. Boniface of Mayo Clinic, “You may end up with some stomach cramping or a muscle cramp, but this is not a dangerous activity to routinely enjoy.”

Stomach cramping is uncomfortable, but it’s nothing dangerous. The cramping will only last about 5-10 minutes, then you can proceed with your swimming activities.

There is no medical evidence to back up that you should wait to swim after eating any more than any other activity. If anything, your parents and loved ones have followed behind this saying to avoid you getting cramps. Although, it is advised that you do not eat a meal as big as a holiday dinner before any full-body activity.

Breaktime Snacks

Here are some snacks you should try during your intermission of swimming. These snacks are lighter on the stomach and help avoid stomach pain and cramping.

  • Fruit
  • Yogurt
  • Turkey Sandwich
  • Peanut butter & Jelly Sandwich
  • Smoothies
  • Toast
  • Mixed nuts
  • Chocolate Milk
  • Tuna

These are just a few snacks that will help you refuel your energy during break time without getting a cramp or stomach pains.

Check out Aqua Leisure

Now that you know that 30-minute intermissions are a myth, check out our pool selection. We have all the best swimming pools for you to choose from. We are here to help you. Just keep swimming! Come to any of our locations or contact us for more information on what swimming options are the best for you.

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