1. Drinking tea after meals = Drinking poison
"Tea leaves contain tannic acid and theophylline, both of which affect food digestion," stated a drug research institute expert. Gastric and intestinal juices are essential for digestion, but tannic acid suppresses their secretion, causing indigestion. Additionally, tannic acid reacts with proteins in meat, eggs, beans, and dairy, forming indigestible coagulants.
Special warning: If foods contain metals like iron or magnesium, long-term tannic acid reactions may form stones. Experts clarify plain water is the best post-meal drink—it cleanses without affecting digestion. Wait 30 minutes before consuming light tea.
2. Eating fruit after meals = Gastrointestinal discomfort
Many people habitually eat fruit after meals, but this is mistaken. Fruits contain monosaccharides absorbed in the small intestine. When eaten post-meal, fruit滞留s in the stomach, impairing digestion. Prolonged retention ferments monosaccharides, causing bloating, diarrhea, acid reflux, or constipation.
Moreover, eating grapes or other acidic fruits immediately after fish/shrimp (high in protein and calcium) combines tannic acid with proteins, forming hard-to-digest substances that irritate the stomach. Eat fruit 2–3 hours after or 1 hour before meals. Exception: Citrus fruits like oranges after processed meats help inhibit nitrite conversion.
3. Bathing, brushing, or loosening belts after meals = Indigestion and gastropiosis
Post-meal bathing increases blood flow to the skin, reducing gastrointestinal circulation and weakening digestion. Immediate brushing damages relaxed tooth enamel. Loosening belts drops abdominal pressure, forcing the stomach downward—straining digestive organs and ligaments, accelerating peristalsis, and risking intestinal volvulus, obstruction, or gastropiosis.
4. Karaoke after meals = Gastrointestinal issues
While "walking after meals" has merits, elderly should avoid activity for 30 minutes as the stomach is heavy with food. Exercise then disrupts digestion; for those with coronary or gastric conditions, it may cause dizziness or worsen symptoms. Young people should avoid singing after eating—"sing when hungry, not full"—as it shifts the diaphragm downward, increasing abdominal pressure and causing indigestion or stomach ailments.
5. Sleeping immediately after meals = Stroke and weight gain
Sleeping right after eating interrupts stomach digestion and nutrient absorption. Reduced post-meal cerebral blood flow raises stroke risk when lying down. Additionally, slowed metabolism during sleep converts meal calories into fat, promoting obesity.