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You shouldn't swim on an empty stomach, but what you eat before a swim matters

Have fun swimming! 5 foods to avoid before diving in | Pulse Uganda

Latest Ugandan Beauty and Health News & Trends | Pulse Uganda

Beauty & Health

Martha Kemigisha

Of course, there are a number of reasons for feeling uneasy and lethargic in the pool. However, the food you eat before swimming plays a major role. If you are a swimming enthusiast or <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/5-effective-silent-ways-to-deal-with-stress/p3scfvq">simply enjoy</a> <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/food-travel/a-guide-to-understanding-the-difference-between-journeys-trips-and-travel/436y903">leisure activity</a>, you may have experienced this feeling at some point in life. Try eliminating these foods before a swim and see the difference.

CHECK OUT: <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/best-and-worst-foods-to-eat-on-a-hot-day/vw7wl62">Best and worst foods to eat on a hot day</a>

<a href="https://patient.info/news-and-features/should-you-eat-before-swimming-and-what-types-of-food-are-best">Experts recommend</a> avoiding these foods before swimming because they can impact your performance and overall experience in the water.&nbsp;

Beans are an excellent source of fibre. However, this means that they take longer to digest. So by the time you start swimming, your body will be working overtime to allow you a nice swim. You may experience digestion issues like <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/7-simple-home-remedies-for-an-upset-stomach/vhc2vpb">bloating, constipation, and cramping</a>.

Because swimming calls for a near-constant horizontal position, this can put you at risk of acid reflux. Spicy foods may aggravate acid reflux and affect your performance in the pool. Avoid spicy foods at all costs before your swimming session.

DON'T MISS: <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/5-life-saving-essentials-to-beat-the-heat-at-work/xgj6g6p">5 ways to survive the heat at work</a>

<a href="https://littleflippersswim.com/eating-before-swimming/#:~:text=Sugary%20snacks%2D%20While%20a%20quick,and%20other%20heavy%20dairy%20foods.">A sugar rush is a bad idea</a> if you are going to swim. You may be thinking that the rush will make you more energetic and help you last longer. It may even make the experience more invigorating. For the first few minutes at least. Soon as the sugar rush wears off, you will crash feeling tired and lethargic.

5 foods to avoid before diving in/Pixabay

It is better to have dairy products after your swim to replenish your energy. However, if you take them before they are high in saturated fat which <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/10-harmful-food-combinations/8wd3ynq">can trigger digestive issues</a> such as bloating.

CHECK OUT: <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/how-to-stay-cool-when-its-hot/0594k2f">How to stay cool when it's hot!</a>

<a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/food-travel/surprising-truth-about-coffee-that-coffee-lovers-dont-know/xle77cn">Coffee</a> is a diuretic so it may make you feel <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/how-to-prepare-delicious-water-to-boost-daily-hydration/y4kkgtx">dehydrated</a> and also increase urine production. In addition, you may feel nauseous. So that energy kick from caffeine is not worth it.

READ HERE: <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/10-common-foods-you-should-avoid-when-youre-hungry/syl8y1l">Common foods you should avoid when you are hungry</a>

READ HERE: <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/7-reasons-why-swimming-is-better-for-you-than-the-gym/scwgxkc">7 reasons swimming is better for you than gym</a>

After swimming, you should focus on getting your <a href="https://www.healthkart.com/connect/essential-minerals-and-vitamins-for-energy-and-tiredness/">energy levels</a> back with essential nutrients. So some of the foods mentioned above may not be applicable here. Dairy products may be applicable, chicken, brown rice, and nuts, among others.

Have fun swimming! 5 foods to avoid before diving in

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