Myth or Reality: Should I Wait After Eating to Swim?

Entering the pool after eating always brings several doubts, as since we were little, we've heard that we should wait after eating before swimming. For many years, mothers concerned for their children's well-being have had to deal with the impatience and anxiety of their kids wanting to have fun in the water. But is it really necessary to wait? How true is it that you can get a cramp after eating? Is it just a myth or should we always follow this recommendation?We invite you to keep reading to find out if you really need to wait after eating to swim or if it's just an urban legend.The explanation The reason most parents give their children for having to wait before returning to the pool is digestion. Basically, the general belief is that after eating, blood from the whole body (including the limbs) concentrates in the digestive system, which makes arms and legs a bit less agile. Similarly, cramps and stitches are mentioned as reasons to avoid entering the water right after eating. The explanation is that if a person starts swimming while their stomach is still digesting, this could cause a cramp or a severe stitch in the ribs, which could incapacitate them from swimming and then risk drowning. The realityWhile it is true that during the digestion process, blood is directed to the stomach to process food, this does not mean that the rest of the body is left without blood or is incapable of functioning properly. Thinking that a person could suffer an accident from swimming after eating is, in this case, simply absurd. Your legs and arms will function as always, even if your stomach is working.As for cramps and stitches, there are several explanations. Cramps are involuntary spasm movements that arise during exercise. Most cases are due to a lack of hydration and electrolytes, or simply fatigue. Regarding stitches, which are very intense pains beneath the ribs, it is still not exactly known what can cause them. However, some studies have shown that swimmers are more prone to suffer these discomforts than runners. But be warned, this has only been recorded among high-impact professional athletes. The conclusionThere is no scientific information or studies that directly relate food consumption with the risk of an accident while swimming. Children do not actually need to wait 30 minutes or an hour after eating to return to the water. You just need to consider a few things:Eating greasy foods can cause a feeling of heaviness. If you are going to the pool with your children, it's better to bring light food, like salad or fruits.It is not advisable to engage in any physical activity after overeating, as nausea can occur. This applies to both swimming and running.Neither the Red Cross nor other lifeguard associations or pediatricians have recorded any fatalities in children from swimming after eating. So relax and enjoy the pool with your little ones.These dishes are ideal to take to the pool:Potato croquettes with hamChicken salad rollsMini cheese-filled hamburgers Spiral sausage skewers