You’ve tried everything. You’ve eaten the right foods and stayed away from the wrong ones. You’ve been to the doctor on multiple occasions. You even take medication for your Irritable Bowel Syndrome. So why do you still experience symptoms? There is one more thing you can do to help treat the symptoms of IBS — exercise.
Exercise may sound intimidating to some, but working out doesn’t have to be strenuous or time consuming to still be effective. In fact, it is recommended that to help treat the symptoms of IBS, a person should partake in moderate to vigorous activity for 20 to 30 minutes at least three days a week. This could mean a four-mile run, a full body lift, or simply a walk. In fact, cleaning the house, or doing some yard work could suffice as long as you get your body moving and your blood flowing. When your body is unhealthy, your stomach will follow suit, whereas if your body is fit, your stomach will be better regulated and all around healthier.
IBS is often related to stress. One of the reasons exercise is recommended to those who suffer from IBS is because it is known to relieve that stress. During exercise, your tight and tense muscles warm up and relax. You get your blood pumping in all of the parts of your body that you are now actively using, and therefore the bowel tends to quiet down.
Not only does exercise help you alleviate physical stress, but it also aids with mental stress as well. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins that are known to improve your mood and therefore relieve stress. People who exercise regularly don’t just improve their physical health but they are often happier as well. The small sacrifices you make to be active will certainly bring you more benefits than one. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and be active!
