Let's Go Fart Walking: The joy and science of post-meal strolls

Monday, July 15, 2024.

Sometimes, you never know where your next great blog idea will come from.

Enter the “fart walk”—a delightful practice of taking a post-meal stroll to, quite literally, let things air out.

Mairlyn Smith, a Canadian actress and cook, introduced this concept on TikTok, and it has since become a viral sensation. But is there more to fart walking than just a good laugh?

What is a fart walk?

A fart walk is a casual stroll taken after a meal to aid digestion and relieve bloating, gas, or the sensation of a heavy stomach. It's a light-hearted approach to tackling the discomfort that follows a hearty dinner. Smith claims these 10-20 minute walks help you "age wonderfully," but is there any scientific backing to this claim?

The Science of Digestion and Walking

To understand the benefits of fart walking, let's dive into the digestive process.

After a meal, your stomach starts churning like a washing machine, breaking down food into a soupy mixture called chyme (a great scrabble word!). This process is governed by the parasympathetic nervous system, which kicks in to aid digestion.

Walking after a meal can stimulate this system, promoting the movement of chyme through the digestive tract via peristalsis—a series of wave-like muscle contractions.

This gentle movement can help alleviate the feeling of a meal sitting like a brick in your stomach.

The Origins of Gas

Flatulence, or the accumulation of gas in the digestive tract, can be caused by a variety of factors. High-fiber foods, indigestible carbohydrates (like those found in Jerusalem artichokes), fizzy drinks, and even swallowing air while eating too quickly can all contribute to gas buildup.

While passing gas is a normal part of life, excessive flatulence can signal gastrointestinal issues like gluten intolerance, dairy intolerance, or irritable bowel syndrome. Enter the fart walk—a potentially effective, and certainly humorous, way to mitigate these issues.

Fart Walking and Cultural Narcissism

In our increasingly self-focused society, cultural narcissism—characterized by self-centeredness and a lack of empathy—can manifest in many ways. It raises interesting questions about our priorities and self-awareness:

• Are we so preoccupied with personal image that we neglect simple solutions like fart walking?

• Does our obsession with instant gratification lead us to overlook the benefits of natural remedies and light exercise?

The Benefits of Fart Walking

• Research on the effects of exercise on digestion is somewhat inconsistent, but there are promising indications.

• Regular walking, even for short durations, can positively impact bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation. Moderate daily exercise is also associated with a reduced risk of bowel cancer and diverticular disease.

• One study found that gastrointestinal symptoms like flatulence were more frequent at rest than during exercise. Another noted that low-intensity, prolonged exercise (like a fart walk) caused fewer digestive symptoms compared to high-intensity exertion.

Humor and Compassion in Fart Walking

Embarking on a fart walk with your partner can be a bonding experience filled with laughter and understanding.

It's a lighthearted way to address a common issue and promote better health together.

Imagine you and your partner, strolling through the neighborhood, sharing a giggle with each audible release. It's not just about the walk; it's about the connection and the shared experience.

Reflective Questions for Couples

How can we incorporate fart walks into our routine to improve our digestive health?

Can we approach common discomforts with humor and compassion, strengthening our relationship in the process?

Are there other simple, natural remedies we overlook due to our fast-paced, convenience-driven lifestyles?

Final thoughts

Remember, fart walking isn’t just about the gas—it’s about embracing a quirky, fun practice that brings you closer together.

Next time you feel bloated after dinner, invite your partner for a fart walk. Not only will it lighten your load, but it might also lighten your mood.

While the science on fart walking may not be conclusive, its potential benefits are worth exploring. Plus, the laughter and connection it fosters can’t be measured in a study. So, lace up those walking shoes, grab your partner’s hand, and take a step towards better digestive health and a happier relationship.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

References

Smith, M. (n.d.). Fart walks and their benefits. TikTok.