It's something our mothers always told us about, but it's difficult enough for a teenager with a premature growth spurt to listen and adhere to. And then it just turns into a very hard habit to lose...

The temptation to walk or stand with a slump is just too much, but we should be standing straight with correct posture all the time. And it's not just because it makes us look like a more confident, slimmer woman. It's because slouching has some serious health effects too.

Today, we're Getting To The Crunch in association with Special K Cracker Crisps, and giving you the reasons why you should stand with your chest out and your shoulders back!

Poor posture can lead to...

High Blood Pressure

The usual risk factors for high blood pressure include age, being overweight and smoking, but now researchers think slouching can trigger it too. It is thought there is a direct link between neck muscles and the area of the brain that helps regulate blood pressure.

Being Sad And Shy

No, we're not joking. A San Francisco State University study found that those who walked with a slouched body posture reported feeling more depressed and having lower energy levels than those who walk with their shoulders back and their chest out. Standing straight does not only give other people a good impression, but it also gives ourselves a good impression of ourselves.

Heartburn

Slumping not only affects your bones, it affects your inner body systems too. Heartburn is when stomach acid comes back up from the tummy and travels into the oesophagus, causing chest pain. Slumping can mean that your sphincter muscle (the muscle that prevents stomach acid travelling upwards) can lose its alignment and stop working as effectively.

Bloating

It's not just important to stand straight with your shoulders back, it's important to sit with your shoulders back too, especially when you are eating. After a big meal, sit up straight to avoid a squashed abdomen and bloating discomfort.

Getting To The Crunch is brought to you in association with Special K Cracker Crisps. 

Special K Cracker Crisps come in 3 flavours - Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar, Sour Cream and Onion and Sweet Chilli. Delivering 21 crisps for less than 95 calories, you can enjoy all of the taste with none of the worry! Crisps that love you back...