Exercise and IBS
#14497 - 07/21/03 08:16 AM
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Tbone
Reged: 07/21/03
Posts: 5
Loc: Missouri
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Hi! I am new to this board. I was diagnosed with IBS 2 years ago. Recently it has been getting increasingly worse, with attacks lasting longer. Could excessive exercise be a trigger? I run everyday.
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I walk or jog every day and I find it helps. But I do it as a time to "de-stress", it is relaxing for me as well as physically healthy. Is it relaxing for you or like work? Just curious. Good luck.
-------------------- Take care,
Michelle
...the greatest of these is LOVE. (I Cor 13)
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Hi and Welcome. I doubt that exercise it triggering your attacks. I work out about 4 times a week and it helps keep my stress down thus helps my ibs. Are you IBS c or D, are you following Heathers diet guidelines?
-------------------- Taking it one day at a time.....
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Hi, and welcome! Being regularly physically active definitely helps IBS overall because you're working the muscles of your gut, and getting them to contract rhythmically and regularly. But, vigorous exercise is a bowel stimulant (which is why it's great for constipation) - this means that it can send you running to the bathroom if you're prone to diarrhea and you're not stable.
You might try adding in an exercise with a specific relaxation element (like yoga), or trying something that's still a good workout but less jarring than running. See if this makes a difference. You might also try running at a different time of day - sometimes people have problems with morning workouts but not evening, or vice versa.
Best, Heather
-------------------- Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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I am IBS c. I orginally started working out to relieve stress, but it doesn't seem do that anymore because it only worsens my symptoms.
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Lately, it has become less enjoyable and kind of a "job".
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I have UC and I know when I'm flaring, running (which I LOVE) makes it worse... have to stay in the neighborhood, ya know? I've been known to cut through neighbors' yards in an effort to "high-tail" it back to my own bathroom! Heather is right though, changing the time of day I run does the trick.
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Maybe you need to change your exercise program. You could run every other day and on your off days try a strength and restistance program. That way you can focus on strengthing other muscles other than your legs. I use to run 10 miles a day back in my high school and college days and can feel like a job. The same exercise routine can get boring after awhile. Good luck!
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I agree, make your exercise a stress RELIEVER for you and not a job. For me, it's just good to get away from the house and kids for a while, so I enjoy it. I also do strength training at the Y which is enjoyable and again, time away from the kids. :>) Maybe you should try yoga, everyone here seems to LOVE it! Exercise should be beneficial mentally as well as physically! Good luck!
-------------------- Take care,
Michelle
...the greatest of these is LOVE. (I Cor 13)
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