Eating standing up – is it really bad for you? (2024)
These days, many of us are flooded with advice on what to eat, when to eat and how much to eat. Alongside this calorie and nutrient-based advice you may even have heard that you should avoid eating while standing up or lying down, as was common in Ancient Greece or Rome. It may seem to make sense, but how much scientific evidence is there to back this advice?
If we consider these three eating positions: lying down, sitting and standing, what challenges do they present the body with and which should we choose as our standard eating position?
The first of these positions, eating lying down, was fashionable to the ancients. This may not solely have been through laziness or a show of wealth and power – as some researchers have suggested, lying down on your left side reduces the pressure on the antrum or lower portion of the stomach, thus relieving discomfort during a feast. As few of us truly feast nowadays – at least in the Roman sense – this might not be so important.
There is some evidence that we absorb carbohydrates at a slower rate when eating lying down compared to sitting, and this is likely due to the rate of gastric emptying. Slower absorption of carbohydrates is generally considered to be healthy as it avoids large spikes in insulin.
Alternatively, eating lying down may increase the risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), a condition where the stomach’s contents return back up into the oesophagus through the cardiac or oesophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle that controls the passage of food from the throat to the stomach. This condition is found with increasing prevalence worldwide, and can cause significant discomfort, often being mistaken for a heart attack.
Although there is almost no published research specifically investigating the effect of eating lying down on the symptoms of GORD, the American College of Gastroenterology advises avoiding lying down for two hours after eating, which would suggest that eating lying down itself is probably unwise. As GORD slightly increases the risk of developing more serious conditions including Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer, this is probably bad news for those of us who want to adopt the Roman banqueting lifestyle.
Sitting v standing – the pros and cons
Whether we sit down or stand up for a range of activities throughout the day is a topical issue. Sitting down, which alongside lying down makes up our sedentary behaviour, is increasingly linked to poor health, although there is some contention around this. But when it comes to eating our meals, it seems for once sitting down might be the preferable choice. People might be more likely to take their time over a meal if seated, although this has not been seriously studied. Eating more slowly is considered to be healthy as it more rapidly increases fullness and decreases appetite, leading to a potential reduction in calorie intake.
As for eating while standing up, there is no real evidence that it has any negative effects on digestion and it isn’t included on any lists of prohibited activity by healthcare professionals. Although gravity isn’t needed for most of the function of the gut, it does help with preventing GORD, which is why many sufferers raise the head of their bed at night. Standing during eating does have the benefit of promoting more energy expenditure, with estimates of around 50 extra calories an hour burned by standing compared with sitting down. Over an extended period this would add up.
So is it better to eat sitting, standing or lying down? While there is not enough scientific evidence to confidently state that eating in either position is more appropriate, it’s likely that as long as you take your time and eat mindfully, either standing or sitting to eat your meals should be absolutely fine and a healthier alternative to eating lying down.
Research shows that standing while eating may help break down the food you eat quicker, and may even lead to some fat loss over time. However, it can also cause bloating or worsen hunger, which could ultimately result in added pounds.
Eating standing up can also lead to discomfort from bloating, cramps and gas. These symptoms occur because your stomach moves food faster down your digestive tract. You also tend to eat faster when you stand, causing you to swallow more air.
In general, sitting up straight for 15 to 20 minutes is the best option for everyone, as it enhances blood circulation. The stomach better digests food thanks to that, which, in turn, helps avoid gastroesophageal reflux.
However, considering that there are numerous hadiths that restrict the action, some scholars prohibit it, hence, we advise us all to avoid eating and drinking while standing the best that we could. Eating and drinking while sitting is the proper way and manners that we should maintain in our daily lives.
When you slouch or hunch over, it can compress your stomach and intestines, leading to issues such as acid reflux, bloating, and constipation. On the other hand, sitting or standing up straight can help create space for your organs to work properly.
“Pull yourself away from the table,” Kim said. “Be the first to volunteer for dish duty and clean up instead of settling down on the couch in front of the TV. Also, it might be helpful to sit up straight and engage in some simple, deep breathing techniques.”
Alternatively, eating lying down may increase the risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), a condition where the stomach's contents return back up into the oesophagus through the cardiac or oesophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle that controls the passage of food from the throat to the stomach.
When should you lie down after eating? To promote better health in the long run, experts advise waiting at least two to three hours after eating before lying down. Engaging in light physical activity such as a short walk and adopting habits can improve digestion and help to manage weight and overall health.
Walking immediately or soon after a meal is ideal, Dr. Li says, as “it will help 'burn down' glucose in the bloodstream to avoid high glucose spikes which can cause elevated insulin spikes and metabolic stress on the body.”
Many people consider it rude to stand at the table to eat. Apparently your father is one of those people. He didn't mean that humans cannot eat while standing, he meant that a decent human with good manners sits politely at the table while eating.
The scholars have different opinions about this issue. The most preponderant one is that whoever eats or drinks while standing up does not commit a sin, but it is preferable to avoid doing so. Allah knows best.
These same studies have found that people with heart failure often prefer to sleep on their right side, which could be a protective mechanism, as one study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology concluded.
Eating too close to when you go to sleep can lead to acid reflux, indigestion, poor sleep, and even weight gain. Experts recommend waiting two to three hours after eating solid foods before going to sleep.
However, the location of the stomach is a clue. The stomach's natural position is on the left side, where it can digest food more effectively. Gravity helps the waste travel from the small intestine to the large intestine.
Conclusion. Drinking water in any position, whether standing or sitting, is generally considered beneficial for staying hydrated and supporting overall health, until warned against by a healthcare profession. The most crucial factor is to ensure adequate hydration throughout the day.
“We also don't taste and experience the food as much because we're distracted.” This not only makes food less satisfying, but it makes it easier to miss cues that you've eaten enough, like seeing how much is gone from the plate or feeling that your stomach is getting full.
Leisurely eating is better for your health, especially when it comes to digestion, weight and nutrition. When you eat too fast, you swallow more air, which can cause bloating and gas. Slowing down to properly chew your food helps to break down larger particles of food into smaller ones, aiding digestion.
Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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