After indulging in a delicious and hearty meal, along warm showerjust sounds divine.
But does showering after a meal actually help with uneasy digestion?
Or have we been led astray into believing yet another wellness old wives tale?
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It turns out many experts believe in the latter.
The process is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions, including digestion.
So a shower may not be the boost your stomach needs to break down food the right way.
Can showering after eating help with digestion?
The answer to this is a bit more complicated than one might think.
On one hand, according to Wahi, showering immediately after eating can disrupt the digestive process.
Taking hot showers also has other downsides for our digestion (amongst other things).
So will a cold shower be better for after eating?
But Patil states that there is no scientific backing for this claim.
In addition, cold showers may constrict blood vessels and slow down digestion, potentially interfering with digestion.
The ideal time to shower largely depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.
Others prefer to shower in the evening to unwind and wash away the day’s stress, says Wahi.
If it fits your schedule better, you might even want to consider showering before eating.
According to Patil, from a digestive standpoint, showering before meals is usually recommended.
This allows for relaxation and preparation before eatingthis promotes better digestion and absorption of nutrients.
There are other things to avoid so that you feel comfortable and are able to digest food properly.
He recommends waiting at least two to three hours before hitting the sack.
By walking, youre helping relieve symptoms of bloating, constipation, acid reflux, and other digestive issues.
As an added bonus, it can help you get those10,000 steps in.
So its a win-win all-around.
