What do you do after a hearty meal? While we all put in a lot of thought about what goes into our stomachs, what we don’t realise is that our wrong post-meal habits are too much for our stomachs to handle. Even if you are eating a healthy meal, your post-meal routine can still affect your health adversely. Your digestive system plays a crucial role in your overall health and the way you treat it after eating matters. If you wonder why your health is not top-notch and why you are not able to lose weight despite eating healthy, you could be making the following mistakes.
Also Read: What To Do After Eating Oily Food – 10 Ways To Recover From The Effects

Here Are 7 Things You Must Avoid After Meals For Good Health:

1. Heavy Gymming and Exercising 

Exercising right after a meal is not a good idea. Nutritionist Anju Sood explains, “Your body expends a lot of energy during digestion, and intense physical activity can divert blood away from your stomach, hindering the digestion process.” It’s essential to give your body time to digest the food before engaging in strenuous workouts. A leisurely walk is a better option to aid digestion without overexerting yourself. 

2. Smoking 

We are giving you another to kick the butt. Smoking immediately after a meal is detrimental to your health. “Nicotine in cigarettes binds with oxygen in your blood and gets absorbed more quickly during digestion. This not only affects your lung health but also disrupts the natural digestive process,” Nutritionist Anju Sood. If you’re looking for another reason to kick the smoking habit, this is it. 

3. Drinking Tea 

It’s natural to crave a cup of soothing tea right after a meal. Tea, especially black tea, contains tannins, which interfere with the body’s iron absorption capacity. This can lead to reduced nutrient absorption from your meal, particularly if it’s rich in iron. To avoid this interference, it’s advisable to wait at least 30 minutes after your meal before sipping on your favourite brew. 

4. Taking a Bath 

A relaxing bath can be tempting after a satisfying meal, but it might not be the best thing to do. When you take a bath, the blood around your stomach tends to flow to other parts of your body, slowing down the digestion process. It’s better to bathe before and much later after you have digested your food properly.  

5. Napping 

It’s natural to feel sleepy after a hefty meal, especially in the afternoons. You should know that when you sleep, your body continues working hard to process the food you’ve consumed. This can lead to indigestion and potentially contribute to weight gain over time.  

6. Consuming Fruits Immediately 

Fruits are undeniably healthy, but they require different enzymes to digest compared to other foods. If you consume fruits immediately after a meal, their fibres may not digest properly. To ensure efficient digestion and maximise the nutritional benefits of fruits, consider eating them as a separate snack between meals or at least 30 minutes before your main meal. 

7. Feeling Guilty  

Last but not least, avoid feeling guilty about your meal choices. Beating yourself over what you’ve eaten can lead to a cycle of deprivation and binge eating, which is unhealthy for both your physical and mental well-being. Instead, focus on making balanced food choices and practising moderation.
Also Read: Feeling Bloated After Every Meal? 5 Effective Remedies To Try

What You Should Do After a Meal 

Now that we’ve discussed what to avoid after eating, let’s explore some positive actions you can take to support digestion and overall well-being. Nutritionist Simrat Kathuria, in an Instagram post on her handle, shared some post-meal dos one should follow.  

1. Just Relax And Chill:  

Don’t be too hard on yourself about your indulgent meals. Excessive guilt can lead to unhealthy eating patterns. Instead, practice mindfulness and moderation. 

2. Take a Walk: 

A gentle stroll after 30 minutes of having your meal can stimulate digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels. It’s a simple and effective way to aid your body in processing the food you’ve consumed. 

3. Skip Carbonated Drinks: 

Carbonated beverages can fill up your digestive system with gas, leading to bloating. Opt for plain water or herbal tea instead to stay hydrated. 

4. Stay Upright: 

Avoid lying down or taking naps immediately after eating, as this can slow down digestion and worsen acid reflux. Engage in light activities or sit upright to support the digestive process. 

Go ahead and enjoy a delicious meal, but be mindful of what you do afterwards to ensure you live a healthy life.  

(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)