What should divers avoid prior to diving to minimize risks of decompression illness?

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To minimize the risks of decompression illness, divers should be mindful of their dietary choices and activities prior to diving. Heavy alcohol use is particularly concerning, as it can lead to dehydration and impair judgment, both of which increase the risk of decompression sickness. Alcohol can also inhibit the body's ability to eliminate nitrogen, which is crucial since divers accumulate nitrogen during their dives.

Consuming high-fiber foods can also be problematic, particularly if they lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or bloating, which can distract divers and make discomfort worse while diving. Any digestive issues may impact a diver’s overall comfort and ability to focus.

Eating small, frequent meals is generally considered a good practice for divers, as it helps maintain energy levels without overloading the digestive system. However, if someone were to focus solely on a heavy or fiber-rich meal just before diving, they could face cramps or other discomfort.

Considering all these factors, avoiding heavy alcohol consumption and being cautious with high-fiber foods, combined with the practice of reasonable meal timing, collectively contribute to minimizing the risk of decompression illness. Therefore, recognizing that all answers provided are indirectly linked to lowering the risk makes option C the most comprehensive answer.

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