Walking after meals is an ancient habit that is considered to provide numerous health advantages, both physical and mental. The age-old Indian habit known as Shatapavali, or 100 steps, urges people to take a walk after eating to reap a variety of benefits such as weight loss, blood sugar control, hypertension management, and acidity and bloating prevention.
While engaging in any form of physical exercise after eating may seem counterintuitive, it is exactly what your body requires. However, strenuous exercise or quick walking should be avoided after a heavy lunch. Making this easy change in your lifestyle, which will take no more than 15 minutes every day, will help you avoid a slew of health issues in the long run. This is what an expert says.
A short walk or stroll after supper is a lifestyle upgrade you should consider. It is also an opportunity to appreciate the calm of the night, the lovely weather, and the companionship of your loved ones. It can be really beneficial for relieving tension and ending the day. Walking after dinner, often known as a postprandial stroll, can improve your heart health by decreasing cholesterol and regulating blood pressure. Preventing blood sugar spikes can help avoid diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
Walking at night can help relieve acidity and bloating difficulties. A good night’s sleep is the most important advantage of some movement during the night. The technique promotes the body’s normal sleep-wake cycle, making it simpler to fall asleep and settle into a deeper sleep.
Including a post-dinner walk in your daily routine can provide considerable health benefits, both physically and mentally. Dr Rahul Agarwal, Consultant Internal Medicine CARE Hospitals Banjara Hills Hyderabad, elaborates on the benefits of walking after supper.
The wonders of post-dinner walk
Walking after dinner, often referred to as a postprandial walk, can indeed have several health benefits. Here are seven reasons why experts recommend incorporating this practice into your routine:
1. Improved digestion: Walking aids in digestion by stimulating the movement of food through the digestive tract. This can help prevent indigestion, bloating, and discomfort after meals.
2. Blood sugar regulation: Taking a stroll after dinner can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing glucose uptake by muscles. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
3. Weight management: Engaging in physical activity after eating can help burn calories and prevent overeating by curbing post-meal cravings. Over time, this habit can contribute to weight loss or weight maintenance.
4. Heart health: Walking is a cardiovascular exercise that can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and enhancing circulation. Regular post-dinner walks may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
5. Stress reduction: Walking promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. It also provides an opportunity to unwind and de-stress after a busy day, leading to improved mental well-being.
6. Better sleep: Physical activity, especially when done in the evening, can promote better sleep quality. A post-dinner walk can help you relax and prepare your body for a restful night’s sleep.
7. Family bonding: Walking after dinner is an excellent way to spend quality time with family or friends. It allows for communication, connection, and shared experiences, all of which are beneficial to one’s general well being.
Source:HT