New Delhi, India

While most of us are tempted to head over to the couch to relax right after having dinner, going out for a walk instead may yield several health benefits for you. Various studies have suggested that walking after dinner can improve digestive health.

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How does walking after eating improve digestion?

After we eat, our gut goes through a process known as peristalsis. It squeezes out the gut to move the food through the digestive system. This process is also responsible for removing the waste from our body.

When we do any physical movement, peristalsis can be stimulated more efficiently for moving the food across the digestive tract. It improves the contractions in the gastrointestinal muscles, which easily flushes out gas and waste from the stomach. 

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Efficient peristalsis can help prevent and improve stomach issues like bloating and constipation, especially for people with irritable bowel syndrome. 

Walking post-meal can help prevent bloating by accelerating movements in the gut and passing gas more easily. Bloating can also occur due to air swallowed during eating. Physical activity like walking, can help release it and make you feel comfortable.

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Other benefits of walking after meals

Walking after dinner not just improves your digestive health, but also has several other health benefits. It can improve blood sugar level management for people with type 1 and 2 diabetes by preventing any spike.

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Post-meal walks can also help in regulating blood pressure and benefit those with hypertension. It can also reduce the bad cholesterol levels in the body and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Going for a walk after meals can also burn calories much faster and aid in weight loss management.

Possible risks

While walking after meals may be beneficial for most, it can also result in negative effects for some. Walking may cause an upset stomach for some people with symptoms including bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and indigestion. It is recommended to wait for 10-15 minutes before going for a walk after meals at a slow pace.

(With inputs from agencies)