The benefits of walking have been noted for a long time but did you know that specifically walking after having a meal offers a great many health benefits?
While taking a stroll shortly after consuming a meal may not be something you would be eager to do, the great thing is that you don't have to walk fast or far to reap the benefits. Research has shown that walking after a meal helps to boost mood, stabilize blood sugar, improve sleep quality and heart health and support weight loss efforts.
Walking within a half hour of finishing a meal improves blood sugar compared to doing nothing. Walking after a meal rather than before has been found to lower blood glucose levels in diabetic as well as non-diabetic patients. Your body uses more energy to support the exertion, which, in turn, results in more calories being burned compared to just sitting.
Sleep quality can be improved by helping your body regulate its circadian rhythms and promoting better digestion. This also ties in with helping to improve mood and mental health. The stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol are lowered when walking and endorphins are released, which helps to boost mood and lower stress.
There is no set amount of time that is recommended to walk, but health improvements have been found in those who walk for only two to five minutes at a slow pace. Starting out at just a couple of minutes every day and gradually increasing your time is a great way to improve your health.
