Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Oct 16: Walking after a meal is often overlooked as a simple yet powerful health habit. Without needing any fancy gear or gym memberships, a brisk walk can aid digestion, improve metabolism, and regulate blood sugar levels — but timing it right makes all the difference.

According to Dr. Sudhir Kumar, popularly known as hyderabaddoctor on social media, people with diabetes or prediabetes can benefit significantly from post-meal walks. “Walking after meals can lower post-meal glucose levels and even reduce HbA1c over time,” he said.

However, he cautioned against walking immediately after eating. “Walking right after finishing a meal (within 0–5 minutes) is beneficial but may cause discomfort or bloating, especially after heavy meals,” he explained.

So, when is the right time? Dr. Kumar suggests starting the walk 10–15 minutes after eating, ideally for 10–20 minutes at a light to moderate pace of 3–4 km per hour. “This period coincides with the rise in blood glucose as digestion begins, helping to blunt the glucose spike. A longer 30-minute walk can be even more beneficial after carb-rich meals,” he added.

Experts also highlight that the effectiveness of walking depends not just on timing but also on posture, pace, and consistency. Maintaining a steady rhythm, keeping the body upright, engaging the core, and swinging the arms naturally enhances results.

Regular walks, proper footwear, varied routes, and staying hydrated can further amplify the benefits. As simple as it may seem, walking the right way — and at the right time — can go a long way in improving overall health and well-being.