Should we sit, lay down, or walk after meals?

Answer:

Lying down immediately after eating, which is a habit of many people, is not good for our health. It makes food and gastric acid rise back to the esophagus and causes several digestive problems including gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn.

It may also make fat accumulate more easily in your body, which is the cause of obesity.

Lying down after having meals is not good for health. Photo illustration by Freepik

Compared to that, walking at a slow pace after meals is better for a person with good health conditions, as it helps improve digestion as well as burn calories, which may help control weight.

However, it is not a good thing to do for those with bad health conditions who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease.

In general, sitting up straight for 15 to 20 minutes is the best option for everyone, as it enhances blood circulation. The stomach better digests food thanks to that, which, in turn, helps avoid gastroesophageal reflux.

After that time span, you can do some light workouts to make sure your digestive system reaches its highest efficiency. Keep in mind that it is not recommended to exercise intensively or lay down at this time.

Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang

Joint Vietnam - Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Center