Daily steps for constipation relief

Walking for a few minutes every day is considered beneficial for overall health. It can improve fitness support heart health and help keep the body active.

But did you know that walking may also support your digestive system?

Yes, making a short walk part of your daily routine may help improve bowel movements and reduce common digestive problems such as constipation. Even a 20 minute walk may offer some benefits.

Physical activity helps the muscles in the digestive tract move food through the body more effectively.

How does walking improve digestion?

A study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that even a short period of walking may increase stomach activity.

The research included 21 participants who were asked to walk on a treadmill for 20 minutes at a speed they found comfortable.

The walking period was later reduced to 15 minutes.

Researchers observed that stomach activity increased within just one to two minutes after walking.

This suggested that physical activity could help food move through the digestive system more efficiently.

According to experts activities such as walking and jogging can stimulate the muscles and nerves involved in digestion. This may help improve bowel movements and reduce constipation.

How many steps Can help relieve Constipation?

Another study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine suggested that walking regularly may help people with long term constipation.

The findings showed that walking 3,000 steps daily for three months could provide significant relief from chronic constipation.

However the results may vary from person to person.

•Other Physical Activities That Support Digestion

•Walking is not the only activity that may help improve digestive health.

•Other forms of exercise can also support regular bowel movements.

These include

•Yoga

Gentle yoga movements may help reduce bloating and support digestion.

•Cycling

Regular cycling keeps the body active and may help improve bowel function.

•Jogging

Light jogging can stimulate digestive activity and support gut health.

Why is drinking enough water important?

Along with regular exercise drinking enough water is important for preventing constipation.

Water helps soften stools making them easier to pass. Eating a balanced diet with enough fibre from fruits vegetables and whole grains can also support healthy digestion.

How common is constipation?

According to estimates around 16 per cent of the world’s population experiences constipation.

Spending too much time sitting, drinking too little water eating a low fibre diet and having an inactive lifestyle are some common factors that may contribute to this problem.

Although constipation is more common among older adults, people of all ages can experience it. Its symptoms and severity can vary from person to person and different factors may be responsible.

Important

Walking drinking enough water and eating fibre rich foods may help manage constipation. However persistent constipation severe abdominal pain or blood in the stool should be discussed with a healthcare professional.