MANY of us have probably been told by our elders not to take a shower after a meal, as doing so might compromise the digestive process and cause bloating.
So is it true that showering after eating slows digestion or is it just an old wives’ tale?
VERDICT:
MIXED
There is nothing conclusive to prove showering after eating causes bloating, but here's why you probably shouldn't do it anyway.
While taking a cold or hot bath after food may seem relaxing, it may not be advisable.
While scientists have yet to find conclusive evidence to support the theory, health practitioners believe that it’s more than just a conventional wisdom. This is because it has something to do with how our body works to digest food.
After a meal, your body temperature is slightly elevated as there is increased blood flow to your digestive organs.
A hot shower, which would also increases your body temperature, right after a meal may theoretically confuse your body and slow down or interrupt your digestion, leading to sluggishness.
However, there’s no conclusive scientific evidence that proves or disproves this idea.
There are also other variables like the type of meal you had and the temperature if the shower.
It is proposed that a cold shower, on the other hand, could have the opposite effect as it doesn’t change the core body temperature.
It may even jump start your metabolism and may help you burn more fat from that meal you just ate.
So while it may not be absolutely necessary, next time you have a heavy meal, try waiting at least 20mins before taking a shower - just to be safe.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/showering-after-eating
https://www.wellandgood.com/cold-shower-benefits/
https://www.healthdigest.com/305943/why-you-should-think-twice-about-showering-right-after-you-eat/
