Surprising Health Benefits of Post-Meal ‘Fart Walks’, Say Experts at UW Medicine

The term “fart walk” was coined by Mairlyn Smith, a cookbook author who advocates for fiber-rich diets and post-meal strolls. Social media users quickly embraced the concept, with #fartwalk posts celebrating the health hack. However, the practice itself is far from new—cultures worldwide have long recommended light movement after meals for longevity and health.

According to Dr. Christopher Damman, a gastroenterologist at UW Medicine, walking helps activate the bowels, speeding digestion and reducing bloating. It can also minimize acid reflux by promoting more efficient stomach emptying.

Scientific studies further underscore the benefits. Research reveals that just five minutes of light activity after eating can significantly blunt blood sugar spikes. A review of seven studies found that post-meal walking lowered both blood sugar and insulin levels, a crucial factor in preventing insulin resistance, prediabetes, and Type 2 diabetes.

Timing matters. Blood sugar spikes peak around 60 to 90 minutes after eating, so heading out for a stroll about an hour post-meal is ideal. Dr. Damman also emphasizes the importance of pairing this practice with a fiber-rich diet to maintain steady glucose levels.

While walking can improve digestion and regulate blood sugar, holistic well-being plays a role too. Stress, sleep deprivation, and inactivity can all disrupt your body’s ability to process food.

For most, the “fart walk” is a simple, science-backed way to boost health. However, those with persistent digestive issues should consult a doctor, as underlying conditions may require targeted treatment.

So, lace up your shoes and embrace the ancient wisdom of a post-dinner stroll—it’s a lighthearted trend with serious health payoffs.

Video Source: Shawn Baker MD/Youtube

Related Content:

• The Hidden Health Dangers of Reusing Single-use Plastics
• 5 Veggies You Should Never Steam to Unlock Full Nutritional Potential
• Humane Society Pushes to End Soring of Tennessee Walking Horses
• TikTok Tip: Can Walking Help Depression? [Video]
• Ducks Protect Flock Member Who Has Trouble Walking in Heartwarming Video

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Stand against fast fashion Pollution by supporting circular brands like Tiny Rescue, which create cause-based collections using recycled, zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade, ensuring it never ends up in a landfill.
• Shop Sustainably for Your Home: Visit SustaiNOBLE.org, an eco-friendly and ethically sourced home decor store that will empower your home with luxurious fair-trade, and sustainable products made by global artisans.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!