The Simple Trick to Get Your Gut Moving

Back on Track: Okay, this one might be a hard subject to push through, but lots of people can relate, since constipation is one of the most common digestive problems. Beyond the bloating and straining, it can add stress to your day and drag down your productivity. However, relief might be as simple as lacing up your sneakers because a new study from Japan found a short walk can get your gut moving within minutes.

How to Do It: Researchers had 21 healthy young adults walk on a treadmill for 20 minutes at whatever pace felt comfortable, so there’s no need to power walk. They saw an immediate increase in gut motility, so next time things feel a bit stalled, try a 20-minute stroll at an easy pace. Moving more in general can help too, since active people tend to have healthier bowel function.

The Benefits: The team used an electronic stethoscope to listen to bowel sounds, the gurgles made as gas and fluid move through your gut. Within a minute or two of finishing, those sounds nearly doubled in strength and showed up more often. While the results didn’t last long, researchers suspect the natural bounce of walking may trigger reflexes that get your gut going, which could explain why a stroll so often brings instant relief.