We all know that it takes about four hours to digest food. However, on holiday with the temptation of the sea or even the pool near us, we forget this instruction. And yet, in these 4 hours the body’s processes are heavily involved in digestion, with a high percentage of our oxygen and energy being directed to the stomach. Another fact is that when the body is digesting food, the core body temperature increases. By entering the sea or pool after food, there is a serious risk of thermal shock from the temperature difference of the body coming into contact with the water (however warm it may be).

So the cardinal rule is don’t swim for at least 3-4 hours after eating a meal, especially a heavy one.

Particular foods and drink are more dangerous to eat before swimming, it is advised to avoid:

Beans/lentils/peas

Legumes in general, but especially beans and lentils (but also peas) are foods rich in plant fibre, something excellent for the health of the body, but not when we are going to swim. Their consumption can cause bloating, cramps, and intense discomfort in the water, so it is best to avoid them.

Spicy, hot food

Hot foods can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, which can lead to gastro-oesophageal reflux. If you are in the water when this happens to you, you should stay cool and with calm, gentle movements try to get out of the water as fast as possible.

Coffee

Most of us have combined our relaxation under the umbrella with a nice iced coffee. Unfortunately, coffee is a high-risk choice, as caffeine can fill us with energy, however, whether found in coffee or energy drinks, it can cause dehydration and sometimes diarrhea or nausea.

Alcoholic drinks

There are a number of reasons why alcoholic drinks are one of the worst things we can consume before swimming, first because it Impairs judgement. Alcohol distorts the perception of risk and one’s abilities leading to risk-taking. Secondly, alcohol reduces coordination. Alcohol numbs the senses, particularly sight, sound and touch leading to unsteadiness and inability to climb or swim making it hard to get out of trouble. Thirdly, alcohol is a depressant, reducing the rate the brain processes information. In water emergencies, where response times are vital, it can prove the difference between life and death.