According to a very old popular belief, we should not go swimming just after lunch, but wait at least one hour digestion that happen. This belief is it really justified? What time between lunch and swimming?

According to Canadian experts and American Red Cross, the legend is not based on any factual basis.
In other words, there is no valid argument to ban swimming after lunch, whether the recreational bathing children, the parents refreshing bathing or swimming sport. Of course, it is best to avoid eating copious very, very bold and doused with alcohol, because extending the digestion, such meals are accompanied by a feeling of discomfort, whatever the type of activities, Reading from a nap through swimming.

What is the basis for such a belief?

Some say it is necessary to wait until the end of digestion. But digestion is a process that lasts hours, at least 3 hours depending on the nature of the meal. It would therefore be necessary to wait more than 3 hours before going to swim and not just an hour.

According to other beliefs, it is a question of temperature. Indeed, during digestion, body temperature increases, which increases the risk of unrest by thermal shock when you enter the water. This difference however is minimal and it is enough to get into the water and put a little water on his neck to ease the transition.

Another hypothesis is that the stomach muscles and members would compete for oxygenated blood. After a meal, blood flows in the abdomen, mobilized for the digestion, and therefore unavailable for muscles. Only then, the volume of oxygenated blood is more than enough to support at the same time the digestion and muscle activity of members.

In conclusion, it is better to make a not too rich meal before swimming for a matter of convenience. But swim after eating just is not associated with an increased risk of drowning…

By the way, it is well advised to Olympic swimmers eat just before a competition…