What Walking 7000 Steps a Day Actually Does for Your Body

About this Video

• Video Title: What Walking 7000 Steps a Day Actually Does for Your Body
• Channel: Dr. Eric Berg DC
• Speakers: Dr. Eric Berg DC, Dr. Gilles Lamarche (briefly quoted)
• Duration: 00:07:12

Introduction

This video discusses the numerous health benefits of walking, particularly walking 7,000 steps a day. Dr. Berg explains the impact on blood sugar, weight loss (specifically visceral fat reduction), cardiovascular health, stress relief, and overall longevity. He also provides tips for optimizing walking techniques and incorporates a brief testimonial on sprinting.

Key Takeaways

• Walking is medicine: It offers significant benefits for physical and mental health, including decreased anxiety, depression, and cortisol levels.
• Step count matters: Less than 2,000 steps increases disease risk; 4,500 steps show cardiovascular benefits; 7,000 steps and above yield even greater benefits, including increased lifespan.
• Blood sugar control: Walking after meals helps regulate blood sugar and is beneficial for pre-diabetics and diabetics. Morning walks help manage high blood glucose levels.
• Walking optimization: Walking briskly, incorporating hills or stairs, and walking backward enhance results. Nasal breathing improves oxygen efficiency.
• Stress reduction: Mindful walking, engaging multiple senses (sight, sound, smell), without distractions like phones or music, promotes stress relief.
• Hypoxia training: Mimicking high-altitude training by controlled breathing patterns (3 steps inhale, 4 steps exhale) and brief breath-holding can improve body strength and reduce inflammation.
• Sprinting benefits: A brief testimonial highlights sprinting's positive effects on foot strength and overall fitness, although it is not the primary focus.
• Avoid mistakes: Avoid leaning too far forward, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid overtraining. Timing exercise relative to eating is crucial.