Question: Can exercise help my IBS? Does IBS affect how intensely I should exercise?
Answer: The relationship between IBS and exercise is complicated. Exercise does have a well-documented reputation for reducing the results of stress on the body. Since there is a relationship between psychosocial stress and IBS, any activity that reduces stress should help to reduce IBS symptoms. However, this does not always seem to be the case.
In terms of intensity, for the most part IBS should not affect your exercise routine. However, intense exercise such as running has been associated with diarrhea symptoms of frequent, loose bowel movements and stomach cramps, a condition called runners' diarrhea. Suggestions for reducing the likelihood of runner’s diarrhea include:
- Avoid eating two hours before exercise.
- Avoid caffeine or hot drinks before exercising. Both have the potential for speeding up contractions.
- Avoid eating fatty or gas-producing foods prior to exercise.
- Try to time your workouts so you exercise at the times when your intestines are quieter.
Source: Endurance Sports Nutrition (2007) Eberle, S.G. Human Kinetics.
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