How Exercise Is Important For IBS Sufferers
What should I know about IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder which causes the intestines (also called the bowels or the gut) to be oversensitive. The increase in the sensitivity of the gut causes a variety of symptoms, which usually includes abdominal cramps, abdominal swelling, stomach pains, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and gas or flatulence. These symptoms may occur at any age, although late childhood and early adulthood are usually when they first appear. As much as twenty percent of people suffer from IBS; women are also more likely to be afflicted than men.
No one knows exactly what causes IBS. Your intestinal walls are lined with layers of muscle that relax and contract as they move food from your stomach, through your intestines, and onto your rectum. Usually these muscles move in a balanced rhythm, but with IBS, the contractions become stronger and last longer. Food is forced through your intestines more quickly (or slowly), causing cramps, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
IBS is a potentially debilitating disorder and cannot be taken lightly. People afflicted with IBS are subject to much pain, both physical and psychological. Anyone who has ever had abdominal cramps will tell you that it is not exactly nice to have; anyone who has ever had diarrhea knows just how inconvenient it could be. Some IBS sufferers have been known to spend eight to ten hours in the bathroom. And that is just not the way to spend your life.
Unfortunately, a large portion of IBS sufferers find that their condition is chronic; the symptoms appear from time to time and cannot be fully cured.
The best thing an IBS sufferer can do is to avail of medical help, as well as make changes in his/her lifestyle. Making the right changes usually lessens the probability of the symptoms surfacing; they can also reduce their impact.
On the top of the list is changing your diet; coming a close second is getting some regular exercise.
Exercise is important to the IBS sufferer for a variety of reasons. First, exercise generally makes your body stronger. No matter what disease or disorder you might be suffering from, it is usually a good idea to be on a regular exercise program. Exercise boosts the immune system, making other diseases and disorders less likely to occur.
Second, exercise is an excellent stress-reliever. Some medical practitioners believe that IBS has psychological roots. This means that IBS might have its beginnings in a mental state. A highly-stressed mind is prone to mental problems; mental problems lead to physical problems. IBS symptoms have often been observed to materialize when a person is under unusual amounts of stress. So while stress has not been proven to cause IBS, it certainly makes it worse. Every effort to reduce undue stress must be made. Exercising is one of the best ways to do this.
People who exercise regularly report a feeling of well-being after their sessions. This is what is called the jogger’s high. The brain releases endorphins after an exercise session, and these endorphins actually have the same effect as morphine, albeit in a more sedate manner. These endorphins act as natural painkillers; a must for serious IBS sufferers. So don’t forget: exercise is not only good for you; it makes you feel good as well.
For More Health Care Information:
Building Your Life Around Your Irritable Bowel Syndrome