Many of us are guilty of doing something without realising it – going for a shower directly after having a meal. However, there is evidence that such behaviour is harmful to our digestive process. This conclusion was reached by several experts and is based on Ayurvedic principles.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Take A Bath After Having A Meal
After eating, the body begins to circulate blood in the stomach area for better digestion. When you take a bath or shower, either cold or warm, the body begins to shift blood circulation towards the outer part of the body for regulation of body temperature which could slow down digestion of the food taken and interfere with the process of digestion.
Acidity Issues
When digestion becomes slower, food is not broken down well, leading to acidity in the stomach. In the long run, the individual experiences symptoms like bloating, discomfort, or the well-known burning sensation due to acidity in the stomach. People suffering from acid reflux or an ulcer will experience such symptoms.
What Ayurveda Suggests?
According to Ayurvedic tradition, one should ideally wait for 30 minutes to an hour before bathing after having a meal. This period gives enough time for the body to start digesting food and not divert blood flow away from the process. There are even recommendations to have a walk instead of bathing after having a meal since light exercise supposedly helps with digestion.
An Idea that May Be Reconsidered
This does not mean that having a bath after a meal will bring irreversible damage to health in case of one-time exceptions. However, if bathing after meals has become your daily habit, especially if you are prone to gas formation, stomach acidity, or poor digestion, you may want to consider changing it.
As with most lifestyle-related habits, it helps to listen to your own body and consult a doctor if digestive discomfort persists regularly.
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Khushi Patel is a Senior Sub Editor at NewsX, covering automotive, technology, Lifestyle, entertainment, and mainstream news. She previously worked as a Copy Editor at Times Network and has written automotive editorial content, including comparison pieces, for TimesDrive.
