Feeling stuffed after having a heavy meal? Go for a walk to tone it down. It is a fact that laziness surrounds you after a heavy meal and you just feel like lying down.
But lying down right after a meal could spell trouble for you and might cause heartburn and acidity.
In such a situation, it is best to walk for a few minutes to regulate the digestion process.
Do you know that walking after meals is also linked to a lower risk of heart disease? In one study done with approximately 3,00,00 adults, walking for 30 minutes every day, 5 days a week was linked with a 20% reduced risk of developing heart disease.
Read on to know more.
Pace of walking
The first thing that you need to keep in mind is to walk at a light-medium pace after your meals. Avoid brisk walking or jogging right after eating as it can cause stomach ache and might even cause bloating. To start with, walk for 5-6 minutes at a light pace. After a few days, you can increase the time to 10 minutes at a moderate pace.
If you don’t feel like walking outside, you can simply walk indoors. Walk from one room to another and all around the house for 10 minutes.
Benefits
If you are feeling stuffed and lethargic after a meal, it is best to go for a walk. Walking fastens the digestion process, which can prevent problems like bloating and overeating. If you sit down or lie down right after having a heavy meal, you might notice stomach troubles like acid reflux and gas.
Going for a light walk after a meal stimulates the metabolism and helps in burning calories. Post-meal walks are also said to reduce sugar cravings that we usually have after meals. It also boosts blood circulation throughout your body and makes you feel less lethargic.
There is a spike in blood sugar levels after a meal, as your body starts breaking down the food. Especially for diabetes patients, it is advisable to walk for 10 minutes after eating a meal. Several studies have proved that post-meal walking can prevent a sudden spike in sugar levels.
Ideal time
So, if walking after a meal is so beneficial for the body, then how long should it ideally be? Usually, 10 minutes of walking after each meal is sufficient for your body. This accounts for 30 minutes of walking every day, 10-minute each after breakfast, lunch and dinner. As per your need, you can increase it to 15 minutes each, but avoid going overboard with it.
In a nutshell, a 10-minute walk at a light pace is best for your body to boost digestion, aid weight loss and keep stomach problems at bay.
