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But as it turns out, walking after eating has many benefits.
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Were not just talking about boosting our endorphins or reducing stress levels when taking these leisurely, serotonin-inducing strolls.
But dont just take our word for it.
Is It Better to Walk Before or After Eating?
Both times can be beneficial, just in different ways.
Walking before a meal helps burn stored fat efficiently and assists with weight loss.
So its up to you and your specific health goals on when to take that walk.
But you cant go wrong either way.
Bloating, constipation, acid reflux, upset stomachall are uncomfortable signs of indigestion after eating.
One way to relieve those symptoms is with a quick walk.
Studies havealways shownthat regular forms of exercise are great for your heart health.
Dr. Viola says that not moving after eating might result in excessive spikes in your blood sugar levels.
(This isalso a tenetof the Jessie Inchauspe, also known as the Glucose Goddess.)
Walking will also help regulate appetite and curb the urge to grab those unhealthy snacks between meals.
To quoteLegally Blonde: Exercise gives you endorphins.
Endorphins make you happy.
Happy people dont [insert unpleasant action here], etc.
Dr. Viola says walking can kick-start dopamine and serotonin to get you feeling good.
Even a short 10-minute walk, she says, can help release these hormones.
When Should You Take a Walk After Eating?
According to Dr. Viola, there is no specific time frame for starting your walk.
you might go immediately after you eat, assome studies showthat is the time that reaps the most benefits.
It really comes down to how youre personally feeling, she says.
How Long Should a Walk After Eating Be?
This all depends on your goals.
How Fast Should You Be Walking?
She saysstudies have shownthose who walk about 10% faster had greater effects on reducing blood sugar levels.
Just be sure not to overdo it.
It doesnt take very much activity to stimulate the bowel and stomach to move, she says.
This leaves your digestive system without the blood flow needed to process food.
Its an easy way to keep your health in check, and thats all anyone really wants.
