In the hustle and bustle of modern life, we often overlook the simple habits that can significantly enhance our health. One such simple habit is walking after meals. This easy and seemingly small act carries various health benefits that have been proven scientifically. Almost every nutritionist, health expert and trainer, highlight the benefits of walking after every meal.
Walking post-meal, instead of immediately laying down or sitting, aids in better digestion, helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce heart risk, enhances mood, and even promotes weight loss. It has the potential to improve our overall wellbeing.
Walking as a practice can be incorporated in our lives, as part of our daily routine as it requires no additional equipment or a training set-up.
In this article, we will delve into the top 10 benefits of walking after every meal and learn how a simple act of exercise can contribute to a healthier lifestyle:
1. Improves Digestion: Walking post-meal can stimulate your digestive system, especially your stomach and intestines, causing the food to break down more efficiently. This practice has been proven to help prevent disorders such as peptic ulcers, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation and more, making it as one of the primary benefits of walking.
2. Manages Blood Sugar Levels: Studies show us that post-meal walks for 10-30 mins is good for regulating blood sugar levels. Walking for a short while is especially beneficial for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, or those who deal with insulin resistance, as it may prevent excessive spikes in blood sugar, thus reducing the amount of insulin.
3. Reduces the Risk of Heart Diseases: Regular exercises such as walking may lower your blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol, while also reducing the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Walking helps in boosting circulation and strengthening the heart, thereby lower the risk of any cardiovascular illness.
4. Helps in Weight Management: Another benefit of walking is weight management. The key to lose or manage weight is through calorie deficit, meaning you have to burn more calories than you consume. One way of easily burning excess calories is through walking. This simple form of physical activity also prevents fat accumulation, if maintained consistently.
5. Improves Mood: Walking is a form of light cardio. Brisk walking for 10 minutes will significantly enhance your mood as it boosts the production of endorphins. Post-meal walk will thus help you in reducing stress, promoting mindfulness and improving blood circulation which causes a positive influence on your overall mood, marking it as another benefit of walking.
6. Boosts Metabolism: A major benefit of walking after meals is that it helps boost your body’s metabolism by increasing the body’s demand for energy. As you walk, your metabolism burns through calories i.e. that protein, the carbs and fats, thus sustaining your energy levels.
7. Reduces the Risk of GERD: The risk of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)- a chronic upper gastrointestinal disease, can be avoided by walking daily as it helps keep the stomach acids down, marking yet another benefit of walking. This form of simple exercise can help us prevent acid reflux and indigestion.
8. Enhances Sleep Quality: Walking is a form of gentle exercise which helps in regulating your circadian rhythm, thus contributing to a peaceful sleep. This simple act also aids in better digestion, enhancing the mood and reducing stress, ultimately providing you better sleep.
9. Supports Joint Health: Walking is one of the most effective and easiest ways of keeping fit. It is highly recommended by health experts and trainers. This low-impact form of exercise if done consistently, helps in strengthening and flexibility of joints and muscles.
10. Promotes Energy Levels: Post-meal walks help in promoting overall energy levels by reducing fatigue and feelings of burnout. It also helps in improving your mood, increases the chance of social interaction and eliminating dullness.
Benefits of Walking After Every Meal- FAQs:
A. How should I walk?
- Since you have just had your meal, avoid brisk walking. Opt for a more slow-paced walk.
B. Can I brisk walk after I have had my meal?
- Avoid brisk walking right after you have had your meal as it may cause stomachache or dizziness. You may wait for 30 mins to start brisk walking after you have had your meal.
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