$Unique_ID{BRK00740}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Exercising After Eating}
$Subject{diet exercise digestion}
$Volume{Q-26, Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Exercising After Eating


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QUESTION:  My boss is trying to lose weight, but I think he is on the wrong
track.  He gobbles down a quick lunch, then spends the rest of his lunch hour
"speed walking".  He thinks this helps to burn off the calories he has just
consumed.  I was taught that exercise after eating was dangerous.  Is my boss
in some type of danger.  He really is too good to lose!

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ANSWER:  Well then, lets see if we can keep him fit, without any undue risks.
Your lesson in the dangers of eating first then exercising probably came from
the same admonitions I received as a lad, no swimming right after eating.  And
they still hold true.  As the process of digestion starts, and foods are
broken down into the fatty acids, amino acids and simple sugars used by our
body, large amounts of blood are sent to the abdomen, where the intestines are
located, to aid digestion and absorption.  Since active muscles demand
increased blood flow, exercise can pull the blood away from its digestive
functions, resulting in distress, cramps and indigestion.  While a bloated or
full feeling resulting from gorging on a feast can be relieved by low level
exercise, like walking, your boss' actions will not help him accomplish his
weight loss objective.  However, reversing the pattern might.  Vigorous
exercise before a meal can raise the metabolic rate at which calories are
burned.  This rate remains elevated, even when the exercise stops, and this
"afterburn" can help in weight control.  In addition exercise may also
decrease appetite and help your boss resist the temptations of overeating.
The exercise will also burn the stored reserves of glycogen, (the body's ready
source of energy) and the new food carbohydrates will be used to replenish
this glycogen, rather than being converted to fat.  So here is a health tip
for your boss (and other readers).  Use exercise before meals as an appetite
suppressant, and restrict after meal exercise to the slow walk that aids
digestion.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
