Everyone will get involved.
For some, it’s a tradition. Going for a walk after a hearty meal helps relax your legs and stomach. At least that’s what we tell ourselves. But is it more the fresh air that does us good and helps us digest or really the act of walking?
For micro-nutritionist Isabelle Vilarem “it is interesting to move after a meal to avoid storing sugars”. In the same way, “This is a very good idea for blood sugar control. Light exercise after a meal can help stabilize blood sugar by helping cells absorb glucose from the blood. This can be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes or at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The sugar will be directed towards the muscles in the first seconds of exercise, so it is used straight away. “Walking after a meal can also promote energy expenditure and help burn some extra calories” continues the specialist.
In terms of digestion, it’s a very good idea to go for a walk, confirms Alice Hantz, dietician and author of the Instagram account @mange_ta_sante. “Walking will stimulate intestinal motility, it will promote muscular contractions of the digestive system, which accelerates intestinal transit. It will also help prevent feelings of bloating and heaviness in the stomach after a meal.” By sitting at the table for a long time, we tend to compress certain digestive organs. “In the event of a large meal, such as during the holidays in particular, walking can help the stomach empty more quickly, thus reducing the risk of gastroesophageal reflux.”
Another positive effect of the digestive walk: activation of blood circulation. “Increased blood flow during moderate activity, such as walking, may improve nutrient absorption into cells,” continues the dietician. As for the type of walking, it is better to opt for a moderate pace rather than an intense one. “Light activities such as gentle walking are generally recommended” explains Isabelle Vilarem. Half an hour is enough to benefit from these benefits.
