Forget Fancy Diets — This Simple ‘Fart Walk’ Could Boost Your Gut Health (Image Credits: iStock)
Despite the humour, doctors say the benefits are no joke. A “fart walk” is simply a short, light walk taken after meals to improve digestion, reduce gas, and support overall gut health. This trend was introduced by Mairlyn Smith, a Canadian cookbook author, who explained in a viral TikTok that walking after meals helped her and her husband relieve gas and stay healthy.
“We eat a lot of fibre, so we have gas — everybody does. So you fart when you walk,” she said. “But the main reason we do the fart walks is because walking for just two minutes after eating can lower your chances of getting Type 2 diabetes.”
Doctors are backing the trend. Dr Tim Tiutan, an internal medicine physician at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, said he “totally supports fart walks” because they promote intestinal motility — the movement of food and gas through the digestive tract. “It helps prevent constipation and gas buildup,” he said in an Instagram post. “Walking after meals also prevents big blood sugar spikes and helps our body respond better to insulin.”
Gut health plays a vital role in the body’s immune system, metabolism, and even mental well-being. Poor gut function can lead to serious problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), poor nutrient absorption, and inflammation. Experts now say that small lifestyle changes — like walking after meals — could be the simplest way to support gut health and overall well-being.
Dr. Christopher Damman, a gastroenterologist at the University of Washington Medical Center, said that walking within an hour of eating is the most effective. “If you wait too long, you miss the window when blood sugar starts rising,” he said. “That’s when food moves from the stomach to the small intestine where it’s digested and absorbed.”
Several other doctors echo this advice. Dr Alpa Patel, from the American Cancer Society, explains, “Going for a walk at an average or brisk pace provides huge health benefits. It’s free, easy, and can be done anywhere.”
Loretta DiPietro, a professor of exercise and nutrition at George Washington University, added, “You get more bang for your buck if you walk right after eating. It helps your body process the food better and lowers long-term disease risk.”
So while the name “fart walk” may bring a laugh, the science is serious. A short walk after meals can improve digestion, reduce bloating, keep your blood sugar steady, and even lower your risk of diseases. With gut issues on the rise, this low-effort habit might just be the daily fix many people need.