Remember when Grandpa would take a constitutional walk after dinner? Turns out, he was onto something because new data shows one of the most beneficial things for gut health is an after-meal walk.
As studies seem to pile up everyday proving the importance of thriving gut bacteria for good overall health, another new piece found that regular physical activity supports gut health, with any type of exercise being beneficial.
Exercise can stimulate the gut and improve the balance of the gut microbiome, leading to better gut health.
“Walking is great and any aerobic exercise is helpful,” Dr. Roshini Raj, gastroenterologist at New York University Langone Medical Center, tells TODAY.com.
Walking is a great form of exercise for digestion, with a short walk after eating having unique benefits for digestion and blood sugar stabilization. And also for benefitting gut health.
If walking is inconvenient for weather or health or other reasons, certain types of stretching and yoga, particularly those involving gentle spinal twists, can also aid in digestion.
For avid walkers, incorporating Japanese or tai chi walking techniques can add complexity and mindfulness to a post-meal walk.
