"Walking, in all cases where it is possible, is the best remedy for diseased bodies, because in this exercise all of the organs of the body are brought into use."
Healthful Living 129
This quote was written more than a hundred years ago. And it is still true. Today there is a very large body of scientific research showing that walking, especially after meals, has a beneficial effect on health.
Walking is a simple sport that can be done by almost anyone. You step outside and you can start. In addition, walking has the extra advantages that you are in the open air and if there are not too many clouds, you also get a portion of sunshine!
Walking for your health
Daily walking is very good for your health. This type of exercise not only strengthens the leg muscles, but also those of the trunk, shoulders and arms. A brisk walk allows you to breathe more deeply and stimulates blood circulation. This has a beneficial effect on various disorders and/or prevent them.
Ten minutes of brisk walking after dinner or every meal lowers blood glucose by 1 point (mol/l) in healthy adults. Even in people without diabetes, blood glucose rises slightly after a meal. How much this is, among other things, has to do with what you eat. Increases and decreases in blood sugar can cause various symptoms. But just a 10-minute walk can reduce these glucose spikes. According to the scientific researchers, it is advisable to exercise after a meal to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome (a metabolic disorder that can lead to diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease).[i]
Other studies show that walking for ten minutes after the (three) meals lowers unhealthy fats in the blood. A walk after a meal also has a beneficial effect on heart rate and blood pressure.
While most scientific studies assume brisk walking, there is also research showing that low-intensity walking also lowers blood pressure and blood glucose.
Of course, it has also been investigated whether walking after a meal has a beneficial effect on the stomach. With regard to heartburn, the results are mixed. Some people actually experience more pain if they walk shortly after eating. Others actually benefit from a walk.
Walking after meals has been shown to be one of the factors that reduces the risk of stomach and esophageal cancer.
Walking has a positive effect on emotional health. Walking in the woods has a stronger positive effect on mental health compared to walking in the city.
Walking with God
Walking is a simple form of exercise, that has many positive effects on health. Another advantage of this sport is that it is possible to combine walking with a conversation or prayer.
If we draw near to God, He will draw near to us (James 4:8). God wants to be close to us and walk with us. “Ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
2 Corinthians 6:16.
The Bible also contains many texts that speak of walking in His ways. For example, this Bible verse with a promise about our health:
“Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you,
that ye may live, and that it may be well with you,
and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess."
Deuteronomy 5:33.
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