Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disease. It is mainly treated by diet and stress management. Exercise is beneficial for stress management and digestion.
IBS
IBS causes chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. Bloating and cramping are common, as are fatigue and stomachaches. IBS symptoms often cause stress, which in turn worsens the digestive symptoms.
Exercise
Exercise releases chemicals into the body, including serotonin. Increased serotonin levels lead to reduced anxiety and depression. Some people with IBS take antidepressants to achieve higher serotonin levels. Whether you take an antidepressant or not, you can still benefit from the serotonin boost exercise gives.
Stimulant
Exercise can stimulate a bowel movement by increasing blood circulation and by drawing excess water out of the body. By getting rid of excess water bowel movements become more firm and solid.
Better Immunity
Exercise boosts immune system function, which results in less illness. Fewer illnesses reduce the stress on the body which, in turn, results in less severe IBS symptoms.
Considerations
Consult your doctor before starting an exercise program. Also, you may want to try exercising at home for a while until you know what to expect. It will be less stressful to have urgent IBS symptoms at home. After you know what routinely happens after exercise, you can plan to exercise other places with confidence and less stress.
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