Only 100 steps recommended after having a meal ; Know more

By: Pune Pulse

December 12, 2023

Pune: You have probably heard of the recommendation to go for a walk after eating. Experts advise against going above and beyond the recommended 100 steps or ‘shatapavali’.

As per further information from a foodpreneur social media handle, she said “I still recall taking a half-hour walk around the office with my coworkers following a hearty lunch or dinner. In addition to being exhausting, I’ve since realized that the food wasn’t properly digested since our hands and legs received all of the blood flow and energy instead of the stomach.”

She then remembered that, a few years prior, she had taken an Ayurvedic course where she had first learned about this. “We laughed so hard when we contrasted what our scripts suggested with reality. A hundred-step walk or a basic Vajrasan is more than sufficient. However, we often walk for an hour or even kilometers together. A large portion of this is due to ignorance,” she continued.

Pragya went on to say further that people should not let kids play or jump around too much after eating. “Sit with them to read, write, play board games, tell stories, or do anything that requires very little movement at all.”

A senior doctor stated that following a meal, it is recommended to walk 100 (Shata) Steps (Pavali) in accordance with the Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana. The same technique has also been used in the West. In Ayurveda, the number 100 is significant because it represents the human age cap of Shatayu or 100 years. To ignite the Jatharagni, or gastric fire, which is in charge of breaking down food, one must precisely walk 100 steps.

The doctor further said that it would also be worthwhile to take into account the benefits of short walks following meals, which have been shown in studies. These benefits include improving the thermic rate of metabolism, which helps with digestion and mood enhancement, as well as lowering glucose, gastritis, and bloating.

Shreyas Vange