What is 'Fart Walk' and why should you try it? Doctors reveal surprising weight loss and digestive benefits
Origin of the Trend
Digestive and Metabolic Benefits
Weight Management and Heart Health
Doctors Encourage the Habit
A new wellness trend with a humorous title, 'fart walk,' is gaining traction across social media—and now, it's receiving firm backing from medical professionals. Despite the cheeky name, this habit centers around taking a light walk shortly after meals, and experts say the practice offers serious health benefits, particularly for digestion and metabolic health.The term "fart walk" was popularized by Mairlyn Smith, a 70-year-old Canadian author and gut health advocate. She and her husband began walking after dinner over a decade ago to relieve gas and support digestion. In a widely viewed Instagram post, Smith described how their fiber-rich diet often caused bloating, which led them to start nightly walks to alleviate discomfort. 'We walked, cue the farts, and the legendary fart walk was born,' she shared.Her candid approach to post-meal movement resonated with many, turning the once-personal routine into a widely discussed wellness habit.Medical professionals have confirmed the digestive advantages of post-meal walks. Dr. Tim Tiutan, an internal medicine specialist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, stated that light movement after eating helps the intestines process gas and promotes regular bowel activity. He emphasized that walking stimulates intestinal motility, reducing the risk of constipation and bloating.Beyond digestion, the practice appears to have significant metabolic effects. Dr. Tiutan noted that walking after a meal can prevent sharp increases in blood sugar and even improve insulin sensitivity for up to 24 hours. This can be especially important for aging adults or those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Dr. Christopher Damman, a gastroenterologist at the University of Washington Medical Center, also supported the trend, highlighting the importance of timing. According to him, a post-meal walk is most effective if done within an hour of eating. 'If you wait too long, you'll miss the spike because it starts going up within minutes after you eat,' he said.While a fart walk is not an intense workout, consistent post-meal movement contributes to calorie burning and metabolic activity. Over time, this helps maintain a healthy weight. A Japanese study found that walking shortly after meals resulted in greater weight loss than walking an hour later.Additionally, there are cardiovascular benefits. Walking raises the heart rate, improves blood flow, and supports heart function. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, such as brisk walking, which aligns with this trend.Fart walks also support better sleep. By enhancing digestion and regulating blood sugar, post-meal walks can help the body wind down more easily at night. Movement also releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.Social media users have shared personal success stories, including one user who wrote that walking helps manage digestion after intestinal surgery. Another said they are gradually encouraging their children to adopt the habit after realizing how little movement most people get post-meals.Medical consensus continues to build around the benefits of this simple practice. Dr. Tiutan summed it up in a social media post, listing the advantages: reduced bloating, regulated blood sugar, improved bowel movement, heightened insulin sensitivity, and boosted metabolism. He concluded with full support: 'I totally support fart walks.'Smith herself responded to his endorsement, thanking him for promoting a habit she believes can help people 'age wonderfully.' She continues to encourage her followers to embrace the practice, reminding them that the fart walk is about 'embracing a healthy lifestyle one step at a time.'Despite its name, the fart walk is far from a joke. It's a doctor-supported, easy-to-implement habit that might be a valuable key to long-term wellness.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
5 delicious snacks approved by a fitness coach to burn belly fat
Fitness trainer JosiahPhysique suggests incorporating specific snacks into your diet to help shed stubborn belly fat. His recommendations include Greek yogurt with blueberries for protein and antioxidants, almonds and walnuts for healthy fats, and cottage cheese with cucumber for a low-calorie, high-protein option. One of the common concerns of people on a weight loss journey is stubborn belly fat. Despite sticking to clean eating and consistent workouts, that bulge around the midsection can be hard to get rid of. But what if you can melt that belly fat by eating delectable snacks? Yes, that's right. JosiahPhysique, a popular fitness trainer , who shares fitness lessons on Instagram, has shared a list of foods that can help shed belly fat. After years of trial and error with diets and exercise regimens, he's curated a list of five go-to snacks that are both delicious and effective for fat loss. These nutrient-dense options are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, helping to curb cravings while supporting a lean physique. This means you can now eat and lose belly fat. Greek yogurt with blueberries The fitness coach vouches for the magical combination of yogurt and berries. He suggests snacking on Greek yogurt paired with fresh blueberries for a punch of protein and antioxidants. A 6-ounce serving of plain, nonfat Greek yogurt delivers about 17 grams of protein, while blueberries provide fiber and vitamins to combat oxidative stress. This creamy snack/ dessert is satisfying and will keep you full for hours. Ensure to pick unsweetened yogurt to avoid added sugars. Almonds and walnuts In between the meals, when the hunger pangs hit, grab a handful of almonds or walnuts. This nutrient-packed snack is also convenient to grab on the way. These nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which studies link to reduced abdominal fat. A 1-ounce serving (about 23 almonds or 14 walnut halves) provides adequate fiber and magnesium for the body. And they are indeed a great snack, especially due to the crunch, and are filling. Stick to unsalted varieties to keep sodium in check. Cottage cheese with cucumber slices Good news for cheese lovers. You can now snack on cheese and burn fat! Pick low-calorie and high-protein, cottage cheese, and pair it with cucumber slices. A half-cup of low-fat cottage cheese contains roughly 14 grams of protein. Cucumbers, on the otherhand adds hydration and crunch, and the vegetable is low in calories. You can sprinkle pinch of black pepper for flavour. Boiled eggs The fitness coach suggests sticking to the basics. An egg can be a filling snack. Boiled eggs are a classic for a reason. Each large egg contains 6 grams of protein and healthy fats. Eggs also play a crucial role in satiety , and help to prevent overeating later in the day. Trump Health Scare: 'Cognitive Decline' Spotted? Political Adviser's BIG Warning Amid Dementia Claim Celery sticks with peanut butter Go back to the good old celery sticks. Josiah pairs celery sticks with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter. Celery is high in fiber and water, and low in calories. Peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats ,and it also adds a touch of protein. It's a great balance of crunch and creaminess. While choosing peanut butter, stick to the ones without added sugars or oils. You can also prepare them easily at home. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
31 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Fitness coach reveals most dangerous food for the body that we still include in all our meals: Not sugar or soda
When it comes to our health and changing our diet for the better, doctors, health experts, and nutritionists usually kick out sugary food and soda drinks from our meals. They are often considered the biggest villains against achieving a healthy eating habit, but did you know that a bigger supervillain is still hiding in the shadows? Seed oils. A fitness coach started fresh conversation about the perils of cooking your food with seed oils with his new video. Lars Meidell, a Norwegian founder of Reinvented AS, has 1.3 million followers on Instagram. He shared in his recent video how the worst thing to put in your body isn't cola, sugar or fried chicken but something 'that hides in everything you eat'. He shared in his video how seed oils cause oxidative stress. As per the National Library of Medicine, oxidative stress occurs when there's an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to detoxify them. While ROS are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism and play important roles like cell signaling, their levels can spike due to environmental stressors such as UV rays, pollutants, and certain drugs, leading to cell and tissue damage. 'This leads to hormonal imbalance, heart disease, and even cancer,' Lars' video mentions. 'Most people eat this food every day. It is vegetable seed oils like sunflower oil, canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil. They are cheap, processed and loaded with unstable Omega-6 fats,' he said. A post shared by Lars Meidell | #1 Fitness Coach For Busy Men (@larsmeidell) Earlier, in an interview with Huberman Labs, Dr. Mark Hyman, founder of the Cleveland Clinic's Center for Functional Medicine, spoke about seed oils in detail. "We should be prioritising whole food sources of fat, things like avocados, coconuts, nuts, seeds, and Omega-3s from fish. Olive oil, especially extra virgin, is one of the least processed oils available. While we do eat nuts and seeds that naturally contain Omega-6 fatty acids, the concern arises when we consume them in highly processed forms." He explained that the core issue with seed oils lies in their high Omega-6 content, which can become problematic if not properly balanced with Omega-3s. This imbalance, he noted, is believed to contribute to inflammation. He also raised concerns about the way these oils are grown and processed. He pointed out that many seed oils come from genetically modified crops like canola, which are often treated with heavy chemicals. The oils then undergo industrial processes such as oxidation, bleaching, deodorising, and treatment with solvents like hexane—methods he felt made them unfit for consumption. While he acknowledged that the evidence about the dangers of seed oils is still mixed, he concluded that he personally wouldn't choose to consume something so heavily processed. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Cardiologist shares how to protect your heart at every age: Smart habits to build in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond
Your heart doesn't age overnight, it reflects how you've treated it through the decades. Whether you're in your 20s or 50s, building healthy heart habits early (and sticking to them) can make all the difference. Dr Dmitry Yaranov, MD, Cardiologist, often shares insights related to health and wellness with his Instagram community. In one of his posts, he breaks down the smartest cardiovascular habits to adopt in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond because when it comes to heart health, it's never too early (or too late) to start making meaningful changes. (Also read: Cardiologist warns of alarming rise in heart attacks among young smokers under 40: Know symptoms, causes and prevention ) "Prevention is key to a long, healthy life! Here's what to focus on at every stage, based on American guidelines," Dr Dmitry wrote in the post. Let's take a closer look at what he recommends: A post shared by Dmitry Yaranov, MD | Cardiologist 🫀 (@heart_transplant_doc) Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
