Corporate Fitness and Active Aging

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to let health take a back seat to our daily responsibilities. This often results in a sedentary lifestyle, which not only affects our muscles but can also slow down our digestive system. Just like a well-oiled machine needs all its parts to move effectively, our digestive system thrives on regular movement. In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between digestion and exercise, what the science suggests, and how to incorporate practical strategies to keep things moving. Let’s dive in and unlock the way to a healthier, happier gut! 

The Science Behind Digestion and Exercise 

Exercise can affect our digestive system in many ways, mostly yielding beneficial results but occasionally leading to digestive discomfort if done incorrectly. Factors like meal timing, meal composition (amount of fat, protein, and carbs), exercise intensity, and duration all play a role. For instance, a high-fat meal before intense exercise may lead to digestive discomfort, but if the meal is given enough time to digest, it can actually improve exercise performance. So, how can exercise specifically aid digestion? 

Science shows that exercise generally has a positive impact on digestion and gastrointestinal health. It has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer and accelerate gastric emptying, the time it takes for food to leave the stomach, which can help relieve constipation. However, high-intensity or prolonged exercise can sometimes cause acid reflux or other digestive discomfort in certain people, particularly based on personal medical history. Finding a balanced exercise approach maximizes benefits while minimizing potential risks. 

Practical Tips for Healthy Digestion 

Now that we have the baseline understanding, how can we implement movement to improve digestion? Research supports that any form of low-intensity exercise can be beneficial, such as: 

• Walking: Walking at a leisurely pace can be a convenient option, whether it’s around the block, your office, or a nearby park for 10–20 minutes after meals. A higher step count also brings a range of other health benefits. 

• Yoga/Tai Chi: Gentle movements and stretches are ideal to aid digestion without causing discomfort. Avoid pushing the intensity to ensure that food is digested comfortably. 

• Biking: Like walking, low-intensity biking at a pace where you can maintain a conversation is a good option for digestive support. Aim for 10–20 minutes. 

Overall, exercise and digestion are closely related, and a short, low-intensity walk after meals can encourage healthier digestion by speeding up gastric emptying. Allow an hour after eating before attempting high-intensity exercise to avoid digestive discomfort. 

The holidays are fast approaching and as we strive to help our corporate fitness members Maintain and Not Gain this season. Follow these tips and strategies to avoid tipping the scale or adding a notch to the belt over the next few weeks.

1. Eat slowly - By eating slowly, you are giving the receptors in the stomach and intestines time to sense the expansion that occurs from your food entering and passing through your digestive track. It also gives your body time to release hormones that communicate with your brain that tell you that you’re full. The faster you eat, the easier it is to miss these communication signals which results in over-eating. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register the feeling of being full.
2. Replace sugary beverages with water - Drink a glass of water before your meal. This will help you consume fewer calories and leave you feeling fuller. Drinking water before eating can help “prime” receptors in your stomach to send satiety signals to your brain before you take a bite. Symptoms of hunger and dehydration are similar, so you may overeat due to thirst if not properly hydrated.
3. Eat until satisfied, not stuffed - During the holidays, this is much easier said than done. Avoiding the “food coma” feeling goes a long way though. If you eat until you are satisfied, you can avoid the cycle of overeating then napping right afterwards. If you eat until you are satisfied, you will still have the energy to go for a walk or play with your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews.
4. Avoid distractions - When we watch TV or answer emails while eating, it causes us to tune out our body’s signals and scarf down whatever is in front of us. Being distracted leads people to consume more calories at that meal as well as later in the day compared to those who pays attention to their food while eating.
5. Choose fiber filled foods - Foods that are rich in fiber, such as beans, vegetables, oats, and fruit, can help keep you feel satisfied longer and reduce the urge to overeat. A breakfast that is fiber-rich such as oatmeal leaves you feeling fuller leading to a smaller lunch portion.
6. Eat protein rich foods - Protein can help you feel full throughout the day and curb your desire to overeat. Studies show that eating a high protein breakfast reduces hunger and snacking later in the day. It also tends to lower the levels of ghrelin, which is the hormone that stimulates hunger.
7. Decrease stress - Chronic stress increases levels of cortisol, which is a hormone that increases appetite. “Stress eating” is real. Studies have shown that being stressed can lead to overeating and weight gain.

As you head into the holidays we hope you will consider these strategies to avoid over eating. What tip(s) have you found most useful to you during the endless holiday meals and treats?