Digestive cold shock response: how to prevent and treat it

The digestive process begins the moment we put food in our mouth and chew it. The food bolus then reaches the stomach via the oesophagus and is processed there before heading into the intestine. Digestion aims to break food down into small particles that can be absorbed by the intestine. It is believed that this process may be disrupted by this type of stomach cramp. However, at the moment, this has not been scientifically proven.

During digestive cold shock response (colloquially referred to as stomach cramps), changes in blood flow alter both blood pressure and heart rate. Excessive sun exposure as well as a heavy digestion can increase the risk. High-intensity physical exertion can also be a trigger.

How to prevent stomach cramps 

Multiple studies support the positive effects of bathing in cold water. However, a number of precautions are worth bearing in mind. These tips can help you avoid stomach cramps:

• Opt for light meals before bathing in cold water. Avoid heavy dishes, such as fried foods and alcoholic beverages, as well as anything that can lead to a slow and heavy digestion. 
• Allow your body to gradually adapt to the temperature. Enter the water gradually or take a warm shower beforehand. The aim is to acclimatise your body to ensure the change won’t be too abrupt.
• Avoid high-intensity physical activity before plunging into cold water.

An article published in 2023 examining aquatic incidents concluded that there are no contraindications to bathing after food intake, and that there is no need to wait two hours after eating.

 

How to treat stomach cramps?

The following measures should be taken in the event of a cramp:

1. Get out of the water as soon as possible and try to bring your body temperature back to normal by drying yourself off with a towel.
2. If you feel dizzy, it is advisable to lie down with your legs up high or on your side, in case nausea or vomiting occurs.

Generally, the symptoms of digestive cold shock response will cease within two hours. Should respiratory distress or loss of consciousness occur, emergency medical attention must be sought.
 

Symptoms indicating digestive cold shock response

The following signs and symptoms may appear in the event of digestive cold shock response:

• Dizziness
• Shivering
• Clouded or blurry vision
• Paleness
• Digestive or gastrointestinal problems: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, etc.
• Weakness
• Loss of consciousness

These cases are more frequent in summer, due to the increased heat and bathing at beaches and swimming pools. For this reason, it is particularly important to keep an eye on children when they are in the water and ensure that they enter gradually. As we have seen, this type of stomach cramps can be prevented by keeping in mind a few recommendations aimed at avoiding sudden changes in body temperature. In any case, we all need to be familiar with the symptoms of digestive cold shock response and what to do should it occur.