Have you ever heard the saying of Hippocrates: "Walking is the best medicine"?
Just 15-30 minutes of walking every day can drastically improve not only your appearance, but also your overall health. It's free, easy, and doesn't require much effort.
Let's see what functions in the body it affects.
Positive changes in the brain
Walking is said to prevent early onset dementia, reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease and improved a person's overall mental health. It reduces stress and keeps endorphin levels high.
Improves eyesight
Although the eyes may seem unrelated to the feet, walking actually benefits eye health as well. It can even help fight glaucoma by relieving eye pressure.
Prevention of heart disease
According to the American Heart Association walking is no less effective than running in preventing heart disease or stroke. It helps prevent heart problems by lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation.
Increases lung volume
Walking is an aerobic exercise that increases the flow of oxygen in the bloodstream and helps to strengthen the lungs and remove toxins and unnecessary substances from the lungs. Due to better and deeper breathing, some symptoms of lung diseases can be alleviated with it.
Works well on the pancreas
It may be hard to believe, but walking as a form of exercise is a much more effective means of preventing diabetes than running. A study shows that the group of "walkers" improved their glucose tolerance (ie, how much blood sugar is absorbed into the cells) almost 6 times over a period of 6 months than the group of "runners".
Improves digestion
A 30-minute walk every day can not only reduce the risk of colon cancer in the future, but can also improve digestion and constipation by helping to regulate bowel function.
Muscle toning
Muscle tone and weight loss (in case of overweight) can also be achieved by walking. The exercise of walking 10,000 steps a day can count as a workout at the gym, especially if you add some intervals or walk uphill.
Stronger bones and joints
Walking can provide greater joint mobility, prevent bone loss and even reduce the risk of fractures. Arthritis Foundation recommends moderate walking for at least 30 minutes a day to reduce joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.
Relieves back pain
Walking can become a real lifesaver for those who suffer from back pain during strenuous exercise. Because it's a low-effort activity, it won't cause pain or discomfort like running. Walking contributes to better blood circulation to the spinal structures and improves posture and flexibility, which is extremely important for a healthy spine.
For a calmer mind
If walking improves symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorders, just imagine how it can help you if you feel weak or exhausted.
A walk with a friend or loved one will multiply your feelings of happiness and improve your mood!
