Walking and eating are two fundamental activities that significantly impact our health and well-being. While eating provides the body with essential nutrients and energy, walking is a simple form of exercise that promotes physical fitness and mental clarity. The relationship between the two is increasingly recognised, as walking after meals can enhance digestion, help control blood sugar levels, and support weight management. Including a short walk into your routine after eating can improve your overall health, making these everyday activities even more beneficial when combined. Whether for physical or mental health, walking complements the process of eating effectively. Here are the advantages of walking after eating, according to Mumbai-based fitness trainer Ramika Purohit.
Aids digestion
Walking after a meal helps kickstart the digestive process. When you walk, your body naturally engages in light physical activity, which promotes peristalsis—the process by which your intestines move food along the digestive tract. This movement can help prevent common digestive issues like bloating, gas, and constipation. Walking encourages your stomach to empty its contents more quickly into the small intestine, which can reduce the feeling of fullness and discomfort after eating a large meal.
Helps control blood sugar levels
Post-meal walking is particularly beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels. After eating, especially a carbohydrate-rich meal, your blood sugar levels naturally rise. Walking helps your muscles use up glucose (sugar) from your bloodstream, which helps stabilise your blood sugar levels. This is particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, as it can reduce the need for your body to produce extra insulin. Research suggests that even a 15-minute walk after a meal can significantly reduce blood sugar spikes, making it a simple yet effective way to manage blood glucose levels.
Supports weight management
While walking after meals might not be a high-intensity workout, it still contributes to your overall calorie burn. Incorporating regular post-meal walks into your routine can add to your daily physical activity, which is key for weight management. Walking helps you burn more calories than if you were sitting or lying down after a meal. Over time, these extra calories burned can contribute to weight loss or help maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, walking after meals can help prevent the urge to snack on unhealthy foods out of boredom or habit.
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Improves heart health
Walking is a low-impact exercise that supports cardiovascular health. Regular walking can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, raise HDL (good) cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure—all of which are important factors for heart health. By taking a walk after meals, you’re not only aiding digestion but also giving your heart a gentle workout. Over time, these walks can contribute to reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Even a short walk after a meal can improve circulation, enhance oxygen flow throughout your body, and promote overall cardiovascular well-being.
Reduces heartburn and indigestion
Heartburn and indigestion often occur when stomach acid refluxes back into the oesophagus, causing discomfort. Walking after eating can help prevent this by promoting faster stomach emptying and reducing the likelihood of acid reflux. However, it’s important to keep your pace moderate; vigorous exercise immediately after a meal might exacerbate heartburn by jostling the stomach contents. A gentle, steady walk can help keep everything moving in the right direction, reducing the chances of experiencing heartburn or indigestion.
Enhances mental well-being
Physical activity, including walking, is well-known for its positive effects on mental health. A post-meal walk can be a great way to clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve your mood. The simple act of moving can trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Additionally, being outdoors in fresh air, especially in a natural setting, can further enhance feelings of relaxation and well-being. Walking after a meal can also help combat feelings of sluggishness or fatigue, making you feel more alert and energised.
Tips for walking after eating:
Keep it light: A gentle walk is all you need after a meal. Avoid high-intensity exercise immediately after eating, as it can divert blood flow away from your digestive organs, slowing down digestion.
Timing: Start your walk 10–30 minutes after finishing your meal. This timing allows your body to begin the digestive process while reaping the benefits of physical activity.
Duration: Aim for a 10-15 minute walk after each meal. If you have more time, a 20- to 30-minute walk can provide even greater benefits. However, even a brief walk is better than sitting or lying down.
Consistency: Make post-meal walks a regular part of your routine. Consistent walking can lead to cumulative health benefits over time.
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