10 Things You Should Never Do After Eating

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It’s easy to forget that what we do right after eating can have a huge impact on how our food digests and how we feel afterward. Some habits, like lying down or going for an intense run, might seem harmless, but they can actually lead to indigestion, bloating, or other uncomfortable issues. Here’s a friendly guide on 10 things you should try to avoid doing after a meal, along with a few simple swaps that can help you stay comfortable and keep your digestion on track.

Simple Tips to Support Digestion: What Not to Do Right After a Meal

Taking a Long, Strenuous Walk

A light walk after a meal can help with digestion, but you don’t want to overdo it. Walking intensely or for long distances too soon after eating can put a strain on your stomach, which is busy trying to break down your food.

Try this instead: A slow, relaxed stroll around your home or a gentle activity can help you feel comfortable without interrupting digestion.

Gentle Yoga Guide on Amazon – Great for learning some simple post-meal stretches that support digestion!

Heading Straight to Bed

It might be tempting to lie down and relax after a big meal, but heading to bed too soon can lead to heartburn and indigestion. Lying down allows stomach acid to move upward, which isn’t where we want it!

Try this instead: Aim to stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after eating before going to bed. This gives your food a little time to settle and your stomach some time to digest without interruption.

Incline Pillow on Amazon – A gentle way to prevent reflux if you do need to lie down after a meal.

Chugging a Lot of Water

Water is essential, but drinking a big glass of it immediately after eating can actually dilute the stomach acid that helps you digest food. This slows everything down, leading to that uncomfortable full feeling or even bloating.

Try this instead: Sip water in small amounts during your meal and have a glass a little while after you’re done eating instead of gulping it all at once.

Reaching for a Fruit Snack Right Away

Fruits are healthy, but eating them right after a meal might cause some issues. Fruits digest much faster than most other foods, so when you eat them immediately after a bigger meal, they can actually start to ferment in your stomach. This can lead to gas and bloating.

Try this instead: Wait about 1-2 hours after a meal to enjoy some fruit, or have it as a snack 30 minutes before your meal for a lighter start.

Drinking Tea or Coffee

It’s common to end a meal with a warm cup of tea or coffee, but did you know that both can interfere with how your body absorbs certain nutrients, especially iron? Plus, coffee can actually increase stomach acid, which could cause discomfort if you’re prone to heartburn.

Try this instead: Give yourself about an hour after a meal before having tea or coffee, or opt for herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile—they’re gentle on the stomach and can actually help with digestion.

Jumping into a Hot Shower

After a meal, your body sends extra blood flow to your stomach to help with digestion. But when you take a hot shower, blood rushes to your skin instead, making it harder for your body to focus on digesting that delicious dinner.

Try this instead: Wait at least 30-45 minutes before hopping into a hot shower so your body has time to kick-start digestion properly.

Shower Timer on Amazon – Handy for keeping track of your shower time and avoiding post-meal cramps!

Lighting Up a Cigarette

If you smoke, it may be tempting to have a cigarette after eating, but smoking right after a meal actually makes your body absorb more harmful substances from the tobacco. It can also slow digestion, making you feel bloated or queasy.

Try this instead: If you’re looking to cut back on smoking, talk to a doctor about some strategies or consider trying out nicotine alternatives that can ease the transition.

Starting a Workout Right Away

While exercise is great for the body, intense activity right after a meal can interfere with digestion. When you exercise, your body redirects blood to your muscles, leaving your stomach in a bit of a lurch. This can lead to cramps, nausea, and an uncomfortable feeling.

Try this instead: Stick to gentle movement or light stretching if you feel up for it, and save more intense exercise for at least two hours after eating.

Loosening Your Belt

This one might sound funny, but loosening your belt after a meal can actually make digestion harder! When you suddenly loosen things up, it can lead to bloating or even acid reflux. The pressure change in your stomach can interrupt digestion and leave you feeling uncomfortable.

Try this instead: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that don’t need adjustment after eating. Your stomach will thank you!

Grabbing Dessert Immediately

Dessert can be such a delicious way to end a meal, but sugary foods eaten immediately after a big meal can actually cause a quick blood sugar spike. Since sugar digests quickly, this can lead to a lot of discomfort, especially if your meal was already rich in carbohydrates.

Try this instead: Wait at least 30-45 minutes before indulging in dessert to avoid that heavy, bloated feeling and give your body a chance to process the main meal first.

Making Small Changes for Big Health Benefits

It doesn’t take a lot to improve digestion—just a few little changes to your routine after eating can make a world of difference. Avoiding these habits and replacing them with gentler options can help you feel lighter, happier, and healthier after each meal. Simple steps like staying upright, waiting a bit before drinking lots of water, and delaying dessert can keep your digestion on track and make a big impact on how you feel.