What happens if you swim after eating

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E ach summer, a cacophonous refrain is heard poolside around the world: "Wait thirty minutes after you eat before getting back into the pool! In most cases, though, they would be caught and warned by their guardians of cramps, "tummy aches," or other crippling ailments that would strike fear in the heart of any pool-going child, banishing them to sulk in their towel, counting down the seconds until thirty minutes had elapsed and the child was free to jump back in the pool again.

Related Stories. Experts Referenced. Parents have warned children that swimming — be it in an actual pool, an inflatable pool , or at the beach — after a meal can cause various problems, including cramps and drowning. Moms even advised kids to wait at least several minutes to an hour before diving into the water to let their food digest better. But does this myth have any truth to it? Michael Boniface, a Florida-based emergency medicine physician, told Mayo Clinic. Where did that last rule come from, and is waiting to swim actually an essential safety precaution?

Here, an expert explains whether this is truth or myth. According to Motti Eliyahu, an EMT-CC, firefighter, and lifeguard instructor at Lifeguard Training NY , there's no real safety requirement around waiting a certain amount of time after eating before taking a dip in a pool or the ocean. Still, Eliyahu notes that it isn't unheard of for people to mistakenly believe otherwise. If you can't stomach a big meal, just eat half a banana or a small apple to get your metabolism working.

Hydrate properly. During your workout, you do not need to consume calories if you are exercising for less than an hour. If your workout is longer than an hour, drink a sports drink with calories or eat a piece of fruit to keep your blood sugar up. Avoid fruit juices and sodas that are high in sugar. Make healthy food choices.

Remember that just because you work out doesn't mean you can eat whatever you want. Watch your caloric intake and make healthy food choices that support the work you're doing in the gym.