Does exercise help?

[janke]

Just wondering if anyone has found that increasing the amount of exercise they do has improved their IBS?

[Scr1969]

I tend to thing that exercise does help BUT its important that you listen to your body - if you dont feel like training then dont but if you feel great then push push push ! Excuse the pun.

I think exercise, diet and relaxation really help - manage that stress because when we really think about thinks its not really worth getting stressed about.

The good old saying - " Count to Ten and then react"

[Gettingoldnow]

It does help to take your mind off things so yes is the answer.but your body will tell you so try it and see how you get on .i bowl 3 times a week but have had a week off due to lack of sleep due to pain but hopefully will get back to it .good luck

[Ekky]

Janke yes exercise is always good for you you don't need to go the gym, a walk in the park, or the countryside,or the seafront,or just. Up and down the street where you live,you will feel better,sleep better and take your mind off your bowels

[Ruthy1960]

Yes exercise is excellent when you have IBS. Even just 10 minutes helps. It helps your mood as well as your body. I try to fit a bit in any time I can. 😁

[shaughnessy]

Absolutely, walking & pilates are my faves.

[Hidden]

Swimming, pilates, table tennis and walking the dog - brilliant!

[bburzycki]

It does for me.. but i think its for many reasons. Exercise takes your mind off your gut - literally. As in your gut has time to relax. It also can release gas built up in the digestive track. All of which can be helpful along with the stress reduction and last by not least the fact a healthier person is just more happy and has less stress overall. Over exercising has been shown to cause increased symptoms in some people - so its about balance

[Looparks]

Definitely for me! My symptoms get really bad if I'm stressed and exercise is a de-stressor for me, totally takes your mind off what your guts doing, I know I tend to focus on mine way too much!

[WoolPippi]

yes, kettle bell swings was the start. Got it from the internet, that it would help with IBS and I agree. I also need to walk in the afternoon.

Sit ups help too (just start with 1. It took me 2 weeks to get to 2. I'm at 35 one year after starting and 15 push ups).

If you have problems with energy (fatigue, ME, CFS) don't do exercise that make you sweat such as jogging or repetition with weights. Stick to exercise that are anaerobic: lifting, push ups, fit20.

This has to do with how your mitochondria produce energy for your cells. People with fatigue are not good with sweating exercises, they do not recover from it like "normal" people. They typically crash later in the day or the day after.

Exercise is also practical for any IBS where "things not progressing through the tubes" are a factor. Both matter and gas. Not talking about IBS C per sé. Trapped gas gives many problems. Stuff lying in the same spot, irritating your intestine wall, is bad. Being up and about helps things move and helps your body to function (think lymph system, hormonal system, neuro transmitters).

[janke]

thanks everyone - I think I need to get more active!

Just a comment to Woolpippi - I`ve been told to avoid sit-ups as they can increase the risk of prolapse which can result from long-term constipation