What are the Health Benefits of Hiking?

Do you know the effects of a sedentary lifestyle on human health? It is known that the basis of some health problems is linked to inactivity.

Examples include heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and cancer. But health problems are not limited to these. Today, it is known that many health problems can be linked to inactivity.

Taking a nature walk improves physical health and prevents the emergence of various mental problems. Here are the benefits of hiking for human health.

Benefits of Hiking

1. Promotes mental health
2. Reduces cancer risk
3. Reduces stress
4. Promotes heart health
5. Reduces sleep problems
6. Increase bone density, strengthen muscles
7. Provides weight control

Let's analyze this part in more detail below. 

1- Supports mental health

Walking in nature helps to relax the mind, increase focus and reduce stress. During a walk, connections between parts of the brain are strengthened and the mind relaxes. In addition, hiking is known to reduce depression, anxiety and mental health problems, while improving memory and learning skills.

2- Reduces Cancer Risk

Walking in nature strengthens the immune system by increasing physical activity. Research shows that walking in nature reduces inflammation and reduces the effects of harmful toxins in the body. Therefore, it has an important effect in the fight against cancer. It is also known that hiking improves mental health. This shows that the risk of cancer can be reduced. However, we cannot say that hiking prevents cancer completely. It is important to pay attention to nutrition and exercise regularly to reduce the risk of cancer.

3- Reduces Stress

Nature plays an important role in human life and people coexist with their natural environment. Walking in nature has positive effects on both physical and mental development. Walking in nature is an effective way to alleviate stress problems. It also regulates blood pressure and heart rate. However, those with certain health problems are advised to consult a doctor first and then determine a suitable route for nature walking.

4- Increases bone density, strengthens muscles

Regular nature walks help to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. Walking helps to increase bone density by carrying body weight in a balanced way. As muscle mass decreases and balance skills decrease with age, it is recommended that older adults, in particular, take regular walks in nature.

Nature walks are an effective exercise option to increase and maintain muscle strength. It is also known that walks taken early in the day can help overcome vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to poor posture.

5- Supports heart health

Regular nature walks can help improve the elasticity of blood vessels and strengthen the heart muscle. Hiking can also lower blood pressure, stabilize cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar. In the presence of these factors, heart health is positively affected.

Trekking is an ideal option for those who want to increase physical activity. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine whether your health condition is suitable for hiking.

6- Reduces sleep problems

Research shows that spending time in the natural environment has a stress-reducing effect, which in turn reduces sleep problems. Regular hiking increases the release of the hormones serotonin and melatonin. While serotonin increases the feeling of happiness, melatonin regulates the sleep cycle.

Taking a nature walk helps improve sleep quality by regulating the body's biological clock. Exercises such as hiking are among the recommended methods to reduce sleep problems.

7- Provides weight control

Nature walking is an effective exercise that helps the body burn calories. During walking, heart rate and respiration increase. This contributes to weight loss by supporting fat burning. Slow-paced nature walks are known to burn more fat. Of course, weight control cannot be achieved by walking alone. In addition to hiking, a healthy nutrition program should be created. It is possible to reach the ideal weight with regular nature walks.

In conclusion;

Taking a nature walk is an important activity for physical and mental health. It improves health, strengthens the cardiovascular system, reduces depression and anxiety, and improves the quality of life. The feeling of tranquility that nature provides leads the individual to think positively and distracts them from the stressful life of modern life.