Never do these 5 things after having your meal

What you eat reflects on your body. Skipping breakfast, having a heavy meal for lunch or overdoing dinner- we are all guilty of taking our nutrition lightly and this, in turn, impacts our health.

While we all know that doing certain things after a meal like swimming or heavy exercises is bad for you, there are also many other mistakes which you might be making unintentionally.

We have listed down some of the most common post-meal mistakes people make. Consider yourself warned!

Fruits are super healthy for you, period. But if you want the right nutrition, it is important you time it right. Fruits are best if you consume them on an empty stomach, or after a specific duration post your meal and not immediately after. Eating fruits right after meals may limit its absorption and lead to digestive problems as well. Plus, do remember that it may also affect your taste.

Who doesn’t like sleeping after meals? Well, we hate to break it to you but it is time you delay your precious nap time. After you have had your meal, your body is still in the middle of digesting food. Lying down or sleeping disrupts digestion as you are no longer in the same upright position and this may make you experience discomfort, nagging pain, flatulence and other problems. The same way, it is rather not advised that you take a shower after your meals.

Smoking and tobacco consumption is bad but a lot of smokers have this habit to smoke after a meal. Do remember that smoking and tobacco are comparatively harsher on the stomach and the carcinogens which you inhale along the way can irritate the wall linings, intestines and lead to problems like IBS and bowel infections in the long run.

There is also another harmful side effect you are exposing yourself to. According to studies, even smoking one cigarette after a meal has the same effects as smoking 10 cigarettes at once.

The next time you say that you want to loosen up your belt after a hearty meal, think again.

For starters, your meal shouldn’t really be making you experience discomfort. If you want to loosen up your belt, it is simply a sign that you might have overeaten. Secondly, a number of studies say that extending even little amounts of pressure or stress in and around the stomach can disrupt the gastric process and digestion, which may lead to problems (although this has no scientific backing). The same way, you should also vary hard exercises and strenuous activities, or walks.

Staying hydrated should always be your priority but having a drink right after your meals is not really helpful. Consuming water after meals can dilute your gastric juice secretion and the enzymes, which can further trigger acidity. The same way, including caffeine or tea, can lead to problems in iron absorption, which you have with your meals.