Walking is an activity whose health benefits are well established. Even a short walk can improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and lowering blood pressure. But do you know its variant, which is gaining momentum on social networks?
Better than walking, “fart” walking!
This walk practiced after meals is increasingly shared on social networks under the hashtag #fartwalks. More sonorous, it consists of walking while emitting flatulence. The practice, popularized by Mairyln Smith, who started the hashtag, has become a daily ritual for her and her husband after dinner. Objective: “to age beautifully” she explains, in an article in HuffPost UK.
And it would work, according to Dr. Tim Tiutan. In an Instagram video, the expert explains that walking after meals stimulates intestinal motility, that is to say the movement of the muscles of the digestive tract, which facilitates the evacuation of gas and fights against constipation.
A “pumped” way to fight diabetes
And as Mairyln Smith reminds us, these post-dinner walks would have other virtues. “By walking, we help reduce our risk of developing type 2 diabetes“. A crucial prevention, especially after 40 years.
And scientific studies prove him right: a 2016 publication demonstrated that walking ten minutes after each meal provides better blood sugar control than walking 30 minutes in one go. For Dr. Tiutan, this habit can even limit “significant blood sugar spikes” up to 24 hours after exercise.
Finally, this walk is also a good way to prevent cancer. An observation shared by Dr Tiutan and Professor Amy Berrington, director of the cancer clinical epidemiology group at the Cancer Research Institute. “There is strong evidence that sufficient physical activity is linked to a lower risk of many types of cancer in men and women” she says.
A second wind for your intestinal health
Do you still doubt? We interviewed Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, to finally convince you.
“Flatulence, often perceived as annoying, plays a key role in digestive and overall health” he assures from the outset. Normal gas production – between 14 and 25 times per day – is therefore a sign of an active microbiota and good fiber fermentation.
“The evacuation of gases reduces abdominal pressure and limits the risk of constipation. he continues. “Hydrogen sulfide, the odorous compound in farts, even helps protect mitochondria, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer according to preliminary studies.
A concert of praise for the “fart march”!
Walking, especially after meals, strengthens the good health of your microbiota.
“Physical movement speeds up the passage of food through the intestine, limiting excessive fermentation that causes gas. By helping to move trapped gas, a 10 to 15 minute walk alleviates feelings of heaviness.”
He describes digestive walking as a true “natural intestinal massage” combining the positive effects of gentle exercise with healthy gas evacuation.
“Accessible to all, this gentle activity increases life expectancy while reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes or certain cancers.” concludes Dr. Kierzek.
It’s up to you to try, even if it means leaving aside your natural elegance for a few minutes a day!