Walking after eating: Let’s discuss its health benefits

The positive effects of exercise on health have been proven time and time again. But if you can’t fit exercising or hitting the gym in your schedule, then something as simple as walking just might be the solution.

In recent years, a growing trend in the health and fitness community is to take a short walk after dinner to yield various health benefits. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), walking burns calories, activates your digestive system and helps get those nutrients absorbed better.

It should be noted that the ideal walk length recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is 30 minutes. However, if someone cannot manage this, they can break the amount into shorter walks and gradually increase the duration when they feel more comfortable.

We've listed for you some potential benefits of walking after eating, as suggested by the National Institute of Health (NIH), take a look!

Improves digestion

Walking gives a boost to the way your digestive system works. When you walk after having dinner, your body produces more gastric enzymes and your stomach works efficiently to assimilate the nutrients it has absorbed. Better digestion also means you’ll be less prone to constipation, bloating, heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.

Also Read: A walk in the park may help beat work-related stress: study

Boosts metabolism

If you want to boost your metabolism, don’t lay on that couch after eating. Go out for a walk instead! Walking helps you burn more calories and stay fit. If you want to burn that stubborn belly fat, this might be the best solution.

Regulates blood sugar level

Walking after dinner for diabetics works wonders and helps in prevention too. Your glucose levels peak 30 minutes after a meal. When you go for a walk, you end up utilising some of the glucose in your blood. Thus, walking after having a meal keeps your blood sugar in check and eliminates the risk of hyperglycemia.

Supports mental health

Walking is a possible way to improve mental health. This is because it reduces stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. When a person goes for a walk, the body releases endorphins that act as natural painkillers. These decrease discomfort, boost mood, reduce stress and induce feelings of relaxation.

Reduces cravings

If you’re the type who reaches out for late-night snacks and unhealthy foods before going to bed, take a walk. It will help you feel more satiated after your meal and curb cravings naturally.

Also Read: Weight lifting better than walking or cycling, for the heart: Study