How walking affects your body?

Walking has numerous positive effects on the body, particularly in terms of metabolic health and brain function. One of the primary benefits is its ability to regulate blood glucose levels. Walking after meals can significantly blunt the rise in blood sugar, which is advantageous for those managing blood sugar levels. This occurs because movement facilitates glucose uptake into muscle cells, away from fat storage, and supports overall blood sugar control 1.

Furthermore, walking is linked to improvements in male sexual health, particularly in testosterone levels. Increased physical activity, measured by step count, correlates with higher testosterone levels across different body mass indexes (BMIs). This implies that increasing daily activity, such as walking more, can positively impact aspects of sexual health independent of body weight 2.

In terms of brain health, walking can also enhance cognitive function and mood. Even a ten-minute walk can uplift mood and improve mental clarity. This is partly due to the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports the growth and differentiation of new neurons 3. Additionally, walking is associated with reduced anxiety due to the steady visual experience, or "optic flow," it provides, which can soothe stress-related neural pathways 4.