HomeArt of LivingWhy take a walk...

Why take a walk after you eat might help your digestion ?

 

It may be tempting to head back to your desk immediately after lunch or settle on the couch as soon as you’re done with dinner?
While some claim walking after a meal reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, others state they love it because of its debloating effects and impact on digestion. And some believe it’s a major factor in maintaining their weight.

 

 

It’s no secret that walking (and more movement in general) can have a big effect on your well-being — but is walking after a meal really as good for you as some claim it to be?

Is walking after you eat good for your gut?
In order to understand why a post-meal walk is important, we need to know how our gut works.

The more we move, walk, stretch or exercise, the stronger and more effectively that our gut squeezes
These gastrointestinal muscle contractions are great for accelerating stomach emptying, improving transit through the intestinal tract and promoting the clearance of gas and waste through the digestive system. This ultimately helps prevent bloating and constipation.

It’s even better when the movement you do post-meal allows you to pass gas — which may not always be comfortable to discuss but is ultimately good for your health.

Digestion isn’t the only benefit to walking after you eat, that walking also helps regulate blood sugar — which is especially helpful after a meal. Regulating blood sugar involves maintaining stable glucose levels in the bloodstream, which is crucial for overall health and energy levels. Walking after a meal aids in this process by preventing spikes or crashes in blood sugar levels and keeping insulin levels stable, which can help you manage your risk of diabetes.

There’s another psychological reason you may want to walk after a meal, walking also has mental health benefits, such as reducing stress.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get 150 minutes weekly of moderate-intensity physical activity, as well as two days of muscle strengthening activity. Your post-meal walks can count toward that 150 minutes, especially if you go at a brisk pace.

Lengthy, intense exercise sessions can divert blood away from the digestive system, potentially causing symptoms including cramping and nausea — plus, the release of stress hormones and dehydration during intense workouts can further affect GI function.

Ultimately, walking after a meal is a great way to get digestion moving, as well as help other immediate body processes — but the benefits of adding more movement into your life are also long-term.

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Most Popular

More from Author

Exploring the Legacy of Captain James Cook in ‘The Wide Wide Sea’

Introduction to Captain James Cook's Final Voyage In Hampton Sides' captivating book,...

Zhu Lin: The Queen of Drama Revealed in New Book

Introduction to Zhu Lin's Life A new book titled Zhu Lin, the Queen...

The National Book Critics Circle Awards: A Milestone with the First-Ever Nonfiction Longlist

The NBCC Celebrates 50 Years The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) is...

National Book Critics Circle Awards: Celebrating the First-Ever Autobiography Longlist

Introduction to the National Book Critics Circle Awards The National Book Critics...

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Read Now

Exploring the Idiosyncratic Characters in Flannery O’Connor’s Stories

Introduction to Flannery O'Connor's Unique Narratives Flannery O'Connor, a notable Southern writer, weaves expansive short stories featuring characters whose idiosyncratic behaviors reflect a deep sense of otherness. Her talent lies in creating memorable tales that not only entertain but also provoke thought. Among her works, the most recognized...

Exploring Themes of Family and Femininity in Tara Isabel Zambrano’s ‘Ruined a Little When We Are Born’

Introduction to Zambrano’s Work Tara Isabel Zambrano’s collection, Ruined a Little When We Are Born, is a compelling compendium of human experiences, blending elements of flash fiction and traditional storytelling. This slim volume encompasses over three dozen stories that resonate deeply with readers. Zambrano navigates themes of family, femininity,...

Hwang Seok-Yeong: A Testament to Youthful Vigor in Literature

The Ageless Spirit of Hwang Seok-Yeong Veteran South Korean novelist Hwang Seok-Yeong has captured the hearts of readers both young and old with his profound storytelling that resonates deeply with modern stresses. Despite being in his 70s when he authored his acclaimed novel, At Dusk, Hwang’s writing reflects...

Barack Obama’s 2024 Annual Reading List: A Journey Through Literature

Introduction to Obama's Reading List On December 20, former President Barack Obama shared his 2024 annual reading list on Instagram. This year’s selection includes ten thought-provoking titles, comprising both fiction and non-fiction. Topics range from love and art to economic growth and mental health issues, showcasing the breadth...

Unveiling Ronald Reagan: A Definitive Biography by Max Boot

Introduction to 'Reagan: His Life and Legend' In 2024, Max Boot's monumental biography, 'Reagan: His Life and Legend,' has emerged as an instant New York Times bestseller, capturing the attention of literary critics across the nation. This compelling work has not only earned a spot among the 50...

Exploring the Legacy of Captain James Cook in ‘The Wide Wide Sea’

Introduction to Captain James Cook's Final Voyage In Hampton Sides' captivating book, 'The Wide Wide Sea,' readers are immersed in the enthralling account of Captain James Cook's third and final voyage. This journey, which culminated in Cook's tragic death in Hawaii, serves as a reminder of the complex...

Zhu Lin: The Queen of Drama Revealed in New Book

Introduction to Zhu Lin's Life A new book titled Zhu Lin, the Queen of Drama has been launched, narrating the inspiring journey of a remarkable figure in Chinese theater. Authored by Zhao Hongfan, this work intricately weaves the life of Zhu Lin, often revered as the "queen of Chinese drama,"...

The National Book Critics Circle Awards: A Milestone with the First-Ever Nonfiction Longlist

The NBCC Celebrates 50 Years The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) is marking a significant occasion with the announcement of its first-ever longlist for the nonfiction genre, celebrating its 50th anniversary. The longlist, which was released on December 18, highlights the organization's commitment to honoring exceptional writing in...

National Book Critics Circle Awards: Celebrating the First-Ever Autobiography Longlist

Introduction to the National Book Critics Circle Awards The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Awards, renowned for their distinction in literary recognition, have embarked on a significant milestone for 2024. In honor of their 50th anniversary, the NBCC has announced its inaugural longlist for the category of autobiography,...

Exploring the National Book Critics Circle Awards: A First-Ever Biography Longlist

Introduction to the NBCC Awards The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Awards are a prestigious event in the literary world, celebrating outstanding writing and fostering a national conversation about literature. This year marks a significant milestone as the NBCC has announced its first-ever longlist for the genre of...

British Library Expands Chinese Web Novels Collection

Introduction of New Titles On November 21, the British Library took a significant step in enhancing its collections by adding ten printed copies of popular Chinese web novels, which were originally published online. Among the notable titles included are "Lord of the Mysteries," "Soul Land," and "Joy of...

Shanghai Online Literature Week: A Milestone for Global Literary Exchange

Introduction to Shanghai Online Literature Week The third Shanghai International Online Literature Week, held from December 16 to 18, showcased significant advancements in the online literature genre. The event brought together writers and industry professionals from 16 countries, marking a pivotal moment for the dissemination of Chinese online...