The surprising health benefits of hiking

It’s estimated that more than 49 million Americans hike regularly.

Getting out into nature is a wonderful way to unplug from the hustle and bustle of daily life while connecting with the plants and animals that make the great outdoors so unique. What you might not realize is that hiking is also beneficial for your health. It’s a low-impact exercise (meaning it’s easy on your joints) and offers countless benefits, especially in terms of cardiovascular health.

Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of hiking:

1.) It provides a way to keep your diabetes in check. Have you been diagnosed with Type 1 or 2 diabetes? This group of chronic diseases affects your pancreas’ ability to produce insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Everyone needs some blood sugar to survive, but if your levels are consistently high, it increases the risk of more serious health problems like a heart attack or stroke.

For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, hiking can reduce the amount of insulin needed. For those with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, hiking and other types of physical activity can minimize the effects of, or even reverse the disease.

2.) It can help you lose weight. If you’re overweight, it can be difficult to find the motivation to get up and exercise. Even carrying just five or 10 extra pounds places pressure on your joints and increases inflammation throughout the body. Hiking is safe for almost everyone and makes it easy to burn calories. Even walking slowly, the average human burns 100 calories per hour. Pick up the pace even slightly and it’s possible to burn significantly more.

3.) It can ease joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes the cartilage — a soft, cushion-like substance that pads the joints — to wear down. Without cartilage, your bones rub against one another, causing stiffness and pain. Studies show that regular hiking slows down the rate of calcium loss and increases bone density. Additionally, regular exercise increases circulation throughout the body, minimizing inflammation.

4.) It may help relieve stress and anxiety. People with anxiety tend to ruminate on negative thoughts. Getting out into nature and exercising can help take your mind off the stresses of work and relationships. What’s more, it releases endorphins or “feel-good” chemicals into your bloodstream. As endorphins course through your body, they lift your spirits, ease muscle tension and help you build resilience against negative emotions.

These are just a few of the ways that hiking can benefit your physical and mental health. Before hitting the trail, make an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic. Following a physical exam and review of your health history, they can make recommendations that align with your fitness level and individual needs.