common mistake, that a majority of population often does, is going on a run or jog right after eating a large meal. People believe that engaging in a heavy physical exercise, such as a long and powerful run would help them digest their food better. However the scientific truth is quite contrary, going on a run, right after consuming a heavy meal can result in dehydration and digestional problems, they further lead to gastrointestinal cramps, bloating and even stomachaches. Many people also experience mild to severe nausea if they choose to go running, right after having a meal. The korean phrase for this phenomenon is known as 먹튀 (eat away).
Problems caused by running after a meal
Like mentioned above, choosing to run after a meal, can be one of the worst mistakes a person can make, with regard to their health. Running releases adrenaline in the brain and body, if the food hasn’t been broken down properly in the body or hasn’t been digested,it is attacked by adrenaline instead of the gastric juices that are actually supposed to digest the food. When this happens, a person experiences severe gastric problems, such as bloating, cramping, severe nausea
Appropriate time to run after a meal
If running after a meal is so dangerous, what is consider a safe time period, for which a person should wait before going on a run or a jog? Experts say that on an average a person should wait about 3-4 hours after consuming 250-400 kcal of calories, and must not go on a nightime run after consuming a heavy meal as a supper or dinner that night and should wait till the next morning. If one has consumed a light snack, containing upto 100kcal, they can wait 30mins to 1hr before going on a run.
All the above mentioned facts state why consuming a hearty meal can prove to be dangerous for a person, however, this is no way implies that one should run on an empty stomach, since that can be equally dangerous, if not more. A person should always consume a nutritional meal before engaging in any heavy physical activity, especially one like a run.
