Walking after dinner has been used as an old-age method to improve digestion and general health. It is also recommended as a safe strategy to maintain a healthy weight. While we may have heard the benefits of this simple exercise from elders, knowing the scientific reasons behind it will help you make better choices.
A post-meal walk can be beneficial for people trying to control their weight. The body tries to digest food after a meal, and slightly increasing metabolism such as mild exercise like walking helps speed up this process. Along with walking, regular activity can result in a substantial calorie reduction over time.
Let us explore some of the benefits of taking a walk after dinner
- Improves Digestion: Walking enhances digestion by stimulating the stomach and intestines. As undigested food breaks down, sometimes, gas accumulates in the digestive tract causing bloating. Walking is one type of exercise that might help prevent indigestion and bloating.
- Reduce Blood Sugar: Walking after eating has several advantages, one of which is that it may help reduce blood sugar. Throughout the day, your blood glucose (sugar) fluctuates. After eating, it rises but usually falls back to normal after a few hours. This process can be speeded up by walking.
- Maintains Sleep Schedule: After every meal, taking a walk could help you sleep better and more soundly. Walking and other forms of exercise can improve the quality of your sleep by lowering stress and balancing your circadian rhythms. Your body’s internal 24-hour clock, known as your circadian rhythm, regulates your sleep-wake cycle.
- Improves Mood: Taking a walk after eating, or at any time, can improve your mood. Regular walking can improve mental health, reduce stress, and lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Walking after meals can become a calming and engaging activity.
- Maintain Weight: You can lose or maintain weight by burning calories from low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking. It also aids in the development of a fitness regime.
How long should you walk after a meal?
As per Healthline, a steady walk of around 10 minutes can help you reap the benefits of a post-meal exercise. This duration is also comfortable as it would not affect your daily routine. By completing three 10-minute walks per day, you can easily achieve 30 minutes of physical exercise, which is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
