Exercise To Minimise IBS Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a potentially debilitating disorder. Hence it should not be taken lightly. Sufferers of this condition experience plenty of pain, both physical and psychological. Abdominal cramps are not easy to deal with. Additionally, having diarrhea constantly can rob any enjoyment out of life. Some IBS sufferers have been known to spend eight to ten hours in the bathroom. It is definitely a sad way to live!

Unfortunately, many IBS sufferers find that their condition is chronic; the symptoms appear from time to time and cannot be fully cured. Making the right lifestyle changes can help to reduce the chance of a re-occurrence of the symptoms or lessen their impact. Other than diet, exercise can help IBS sufferers in this respect.

IBS is a disorder relating to oversensitive intestines (also called the bowels or the gut). With IBS, you suffer from a variety of symptoms, which usually includes abdominal cramps, swelling in the stomach area, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and gas or flatulence. These symptoms may occur at any age, although they tend to make their first appearance in late childhood and early adulthood. The statistics are horrifying; as many as twenty percent of people suffer from IBS. It has also been found that women are also more likely to be afflicted than men.

No one can accurately determine 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. If you are perfectly healthy, these muscles move in a balanced rhythm, but with IBS, the contractions become stronger and last longer. Food is either forced more quickly or slowly through your intestines, causing you to experience IBS symptoms such as cramps, diarrhea, and/or constipation.

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 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. This means that if you are highly stressed, your risk of developing this condition increases. In fact, it has been observed that IBS symptoms usually materialize when a person is under unusual amounts of stress. Therefore, although stress has not been proven to cause IBS, it certainly makes it worse. Whether for IBS or otherwise, it is in your best interest to reduce undue stress. Exercising is one of the best ways to do this.

After a round of exercise, the brain releases endorphins. These endorphins actually have the same effect as morphine, albeit in a more sedate manner. They act as natural painkillers; a must for serious IBS sufferers. Always remember to set aside time for exercise. It not only is a boost for your immune system but makes you feel good as well.