Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHealth BenefitsHow to Boost DigestionConditionsIs Walking Right for You?Other Benefits
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Health Benefits
How to Boost Digestion
Conditions
Is Walking Right for You?
Other Benefits
Walking has several health benefits, including better digestion and gut health. Walking after eating may speed up digestion and prevent common gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and gas. This is especially helpful for people who are mostly sedentary during the day or have conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Other possible benefits ofwalking after eatinginclude weight loss and improved blood sugar andinsulinlevels.
Walking after eating may improvedigestion, the process of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract breaking down food for energy. Walking after eating may promote movement of the stomach and intestines.
These organs absorb nutrients from food and move the contents along the GI tract. When the stomach and intestines are stimulated, they move food more quickly, aiding digestion and preventing stomach discomfort.
2. Reduces Excessive Gas and Bloating
Lace up your walking shoes after a big meal to prevent uncomfortable symptoms likegas and bloating. Physical movement stimulates the digestive system. Research shows that people whowalk regularlyare less likely to experience GI symptoms like bloating, gas, and burping (belching).
Walking after eating may be more effective at preventing discomfort than digestion medications.
Why Do I Fart When I Walk?
3. Aids With Constipation
Exercise is a proven treatment forconstipation. Walking after eating speeds up digestion and prevents constipation.
Because it stimulates movement in the stomach and intestines, walking helps you have regular bowel movements. This is helpful for people who are sedentary throughout much of the day. It may also be beneficial for people withIBS.
Can Exercise Help With Constipation Relief?
4. Helps You Feel Full Longer
Walking after meals may also be linked to weight loss. Walking for short periods may be more beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight than walking for long periods. A study found that people who took two 25-minute walks per day lost more weight than those who took one 50-minute walk daily.
How to Boost Digestion Through Walking
A short walk after meals may have significant benefits. Take a 10-minute walk after meals to improve digestion and promote regular bowel habits. Even a short walk can make a difference.
One study found that people who took a 15-minute walk after meals experienced significantly lower blood sugar levels than those who didn’t walk.
Conditions That May Especially Benefit
Walking after eating has several health benefits. People with the following conditions may significantly benefit from post-meal walks:
10 Self-Care Tips for IBS Relief
Is Walking Right for Everyone?
Walking is a safe and effective exercise for most people. However, if you have a chronic health condition or recent injury, talk with a healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program.
Some people experience some stomach upset when they walk after eating. If you notice symptoms likeindigestion, gas, bloating, nausea, or diarrhea when you walk after a meal, consider waiting to walk until an hour or so after eating.
Other Benefits of Walking After Eating
In addition to improving digestion, walking has other health benefits, including:
Experts recommend that most adults aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least five days per week.A 10-minute walk after each meal would help you meet that goal.
Summary
Walking is a safe and effective workout for most people. It has several health benefits, including improved digestion. Walking stimulates movement in the stomach and intestines, helping to move food through the digestive system quickly, speeding up digestion, and preventing constipation.
21 Sources
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