“Wait 3 hours after eating.” The truth (and lies) about swimming in summer

Everyone has already heard the eternal summer lines. Among them? “The sea is hollow” or “wait to digest before entering the water”. Two experts separate fact from fiction and tell you what’s valid and what’s not.

You should wait three hours after eating to bathe

True and false. Who has never had doubts about taking a dip in the water after a big barbecue? Almost everyone. However, this uncertainty is not always justified. “This comes more from wisdom than from science, because you don’t have to wait three hours to bathe,” notes osteopath Jean-Claude Sendet, author of: Quinton, sea water treatment. The sea is a doctor. (1). But it is true that immersion in ice water after a heavy meal interferes with digestion. After all, it’s more of a heat shock (between water and our body temperature, which is elevated after eating, Editor’s Note) which can be dangerous.”

Dr. Guillaume Baruk, author Surf therapy, heal yourself in contact with the ocean (2), is more categorical. “During digestion, the cardiovascular system focuses on the digestive system. In addition, it cannot regulate body temperature. So it is better to avoid and prefer swimming away from eating. The use of alcohol is also not recommended, as it raises the body temperature, thereby increasing the risk of heat shock.

Before entering the water, you should wet your body gradually.

CORRECT: This time you were right. “You have to adapt your cardiovascular system and not surprise your heart. Feeling sick can quickly lead to drowning,” explains Dr. Baruk. So always start by moisturizing your face and neck and then wait a few minutes. The goal is to get used to the temperature of the water. Then apply a little water to your chest and gradually enter the water, especially with a very significant differential.

You should not surprise your heart

Dr. Guillaume Baruk

Good to know. Rowing and paddling are two activities that require us to be out of the water in the sun for long periods of time and expose us to the risk of suddenly falling into the colder sea. Don’t hesitate to get off the boat periodically for a swim to lower your body temperature.

Sunscreen should be reapplied after each swim.

False. “You lose 25% of the sunscreen on your skin after just 20 minutes of bathing. So you have to do the math. The ideal is to protect yourself with clothing and protect clothing against UV rays. It’s the best protection there is, and it’s also kind to the environment. Sunscreens are the first pollutant of summer,” recalls Dr. Guillaume Baruk. To ensure the effectiveness of its protection, therefore, it is necessary to give preference to cream waterproofstay in the shade as much as possible and avoid any exposure between 12:00 and 16:00.

Drinking from a cup is bad

False. Sea water can be very beneficial for your health. “It is very useful for the body with small sips. On the other hand, it must be of good quality, that is, without pollutants and without many people swimming in it,” confides Dr. Guillaume Baruq. It is advisable to find out the quality of the water, but if it turns out that it is drinkable, then you will be able to take advantage of its many advantages; . Therefore, it is a wonderful drug that has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties,” says the doctor. Many athletes use seawater in the form of ampoules (available in drugstores, such as Quinton Marine Serum) to stay hydrated and avoid the risk of cramps.

Sea water cures many skin infections

Dr. Guillaume Baruk

Sea water dries out the skin

False. “On the contrary, sea water cures many skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis,” says Dr. Guillaume Baruk, and in fact, “it’s not the salt that dries out the skin, but the excessive showering,” says the specialist. So keep the salt on your skin (provided you haven’t been in the water too long) and only shower when you get home. According to osteopath Jean-Claude Sende, dry beach skin “is only related to an imbalance, often due to a lack of collagen, which decreases with age, and not to the salt content of the ‘water’.” If skin feels tight after swimming, take a shower and apply a generous layer of moisturizer to neutralize sun exposure.

Sea water tones the skin and improves blood circulation

CORRECT: “The freshness of the sea water will stretch the veins and vessels (blood and capillaries, understand the surface of the skin, Editor’s note), says Jean-Claude Sendet. According to Dr. Guillaume Baruk, there is nothing better than walking on water to stimulate venous return.

Children should not stay in the water for too long

CORRECT: “Young children tend to get cold quickly, they don’t always feel the cold and therefore don’t have a warming reflex,” assures Dr. Guillaume Baruk. “They have less fat and don’t shiver like adults to raise their body temperature,” adds Jean-Claude Sendet. Therefore, spend a long time in the pool with short, regular swims. And replace with break times and games.

True and false. “All temperatures can be beneficial. Hot water will relax the muscles, and cold water will have a more toning effect. The best thing is to alternate the two like a Scottish shower,” assures Dr. Guillaume Baruk.

“The sea is digging”

CORRECT: If you’re a (big) fan of a tray of ketchup-mayo fries after you get out of the water, that’s totally okay. and this can lead to a ‘marine crisis’ in which we are more tired and hungrier,” explains Dr Guillaume Baruc. Cold water can also “increase the body’s caloric intake because it uses energy to warm itself,” explains Jean-Claude Sendet. Non-essential information. an expert reminds us that we’re more likely to lose weight during our beach vacations; Except if we taste… our traditional fries tray right out of the water.

(1) Quinton, sea water treatment. The sea is a doctor.published by Éditions Chariot d’or.
(2) Surf therapy, heal yourself in contact with the oceanpublished by Éditions Surf Prévention.