In many countries it has been known for a long time that walking is one of the best aids to properly digest food. In our fast-paced lives, we tend to eat and rest afterwards because we’ve been working hard and need a break. A better way might be to eat a small lunch or dinner and then go for a walk. Walking is one of the most natural forms of exercise and its gentle, low-impact nature is extremely valuable for your overall health and well-being.

If you’re at a workplace after lunch, find a friend and walk around the block a few times before heading back to your desk. You can even go outside on a break and take a 5- or 10-minute mini-constitutional walk. At home, while you’re doing chores, set a timer, take a break, and get out of the house for a few minutes. Take a walk through the park and walk around examining the beautiful flowers in the gardens. Remember to take a cell phone with you. Find a ladder that you can go up, up and down a few times a day.

While you walk your body will receive more oxygen, your mind will rest from the daily routine and your digestive system will benefit from the movement. Aerobic exercise is key to helping your digestion improve and will also help relieve gas. Let your mind wander as you walk, gaze up at the clouds as you did when you were a child looking for animal shapes. Let the stress of the day flow out of your body, this releases energy to aid in digestion.

Walking is a wonderful way to improve your digestive and general health and spend quality time with your friends and family. Check with your doctor to see how much exercise he recommends for you.