Avoiding swimming with a full belly, isn't that common sense? - Avoid aquatic activities with a satiated stomach, it's not advisable.
In a common belief, it is often advised to wait for 30 to 60 minutes after eating before taking a dip in the water. However, recent studies and expert opinions have debunked this myth, revealing that swimming with a full stomach is generally not dangerous but can be uncomfortable.
The American Red Cross Study, Techniker Krankenkasse, Fit for Fun, and the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) have all contributed to this understanding. These sources confirm that eating before swimming is safe, albeit with a few caveats.
While swimming after a meal may cause mild discomforts such as bloating or a feeling of heaviness, these conditions do not increase the risk of cramps severe enough to cause drowning or other serious dangers in healthy individuals.
However, if you have had a very heavy, fatty meal or feel particularly full, it is wise to take it slow when you swim or wait a little before entering the water. Also, avoid combining swimming on a full stomach with alcohol consumption or strenuous activity, as these increase risk.
Moreover, the DLRG advises against eating or chewing gum while swimming to reduce the choking risk.
In summary, as long as you swim calmly and pay attention to how your body feels, you can safely swim after eating. The American Red Cross analysis concludes that a full stomach has no life-threatening influence on swimmers.
It is worth noting that the sources do not mention any tests from the 1960s regarding the impact of swimming on an empty stomach. Additionally, the sources do not provide information on the influence of a full stomach on swimming performance or enjoyment.
Martin Holzhause, spokesperson for the DLRG, explains that a full stomach can cause blood to be redirected to the digestive tract, leading to a feeling of sluggishness. The DLRG's advice focuses on the importance of having enough energy for swimming, not on the potential risks of a full stomach.
Waiting a bit longer before jumping into the cool water can improve swimming enjoyment, as the full stomach might feel even fuller in the water or the water might press a little on the belly.
| Aspect | Fact | |---------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Danger of swimming full | No significant danger proven | | Discomfort | Possible bloating, sluggishness | | Recommended wait time | Not mandatory; listen to your own body | | Risks to avoid | Alcohol, heavy exercise, rough water | | Choking risk | Eating or chewing gum while swimming |
The Commission, which includes the American Red Cross Study, Techniker Krankenkasse, Fit for Fun, and the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG), has been involved in the preparation of a report regarding swimming after eating. This report confirms that, although swimming might cause mild discomforts like bloating or a feeling of sluggishness, it is safe for healthy individuals. However, the DLRG advises against eating or chewing gum while swimming to reduce the choking risk. In summary, as long as you pay attention to how your body feels and avoid risks like alcohol, heavy exercise, or rough water, you can safely swim after eating. The report does not mention any tests from the 1960s regarding the impact of swimming on an empty stomach or provide information on the influence of a full stomach on swimming performance or enjoyment.
