Eat a light snack before you go for a swim, if you prefer. The common belief that eating before swimming causes muscle cramps is unfounded, according to Gerald Endress, exercise physiologist at Duke Diet and Fitness Center. Previously, people believed that eating a large meal diverted blood from your arms and legs, making it difficult to swim. While extra blood does go to your digestive tract, it is not usually enough to cause serious cramps.
Definition
A muscle cramp is a sudden uncontrollable muscle contraction, which can be painful. While you have a cramp, it is temporarily impossible to move the affected muscle. Muscle cramps frequently affect leg muscles. Usually muscle cramps are harmless and go away with rest and time. Eating a light meal or snack before swimming does not generally cause a muscle cramp, according to MayoClinic.com. However, do not overeat prior to swimming, because you may feel uncomfortable or lack sufficient energy to swim safely.
Considerations
Use caution when allowing children to swim after eating. Tell your child to stay out of the water if they seem sluggish after eating a meal. If your child is sluggish, he may get a cramp or be too tired to swim correctly. Send your child back to the pool once he regains his energy.
Causes
The major causes of muscle cramps are inadequate blood supply, nerve compression and mineral depletion. Dehydration and fatigue also lead to muscle cramps, especially in athletes. Originally, people believed that eating before swimming caused cramps because of a reduced blood supply. A light meal is unlikely to cause problems, though a heavier meal may cause fatigue which leads to cramps. The nutrients in a light meal may prevent cramping because they supply minerals.
Prevention
Avoid overeating prior to swimming to be on the safe side. Take breaks from swimming when you feel tired to prevent fatigue. Bring fluids and snacks with you to the pool, and eat lightly during breaks to rehydrate and replenish minerals. Bring a banana for a snack as a source of potassium. Contact your doctor if your leg cramps persist, because they may result from a more serious medical problem.
References
- DukeHealth.org: Myth or Fact: Wait 30 Minutes after Eating to Go Swimming
- MayoClinic.com: Kids' Swimming --- Keep Health Risks at Bay
- Southern Pacific Masters Association; How to Stop Cramping; Jessica Seaton, D.C.
- MayoClinic.com: Muscle Cramps --- Definition
- MayoClinic.com: Muscle Cramps --- Causes
