If you suffer from IBS, you know how challenging exercise can be. Should you ditch your running to keep flare-ups at bay, or are there other measures you can take to beat the condition without having to hang up your running shoes?
Many people who suffer with IBS feel that their symptoms create a barrier to their exercise routine. However, not all IBS sufferers are impacted in the same way, which is logical considering the different subtypes of IBS; IBS-D (diarrhoea), IBS-C (constipation) and IBS-M (mixed), as well as the variety of symptoms, eg, abdominal pain, bloating, urgency, fatigue, depression and anxiety. An individual’s IBS symptoms can affect their exercise routine in the following ways:
• Bowel motility. Regular physical activity can improve the ability to pass a stool, but some IBS-D sufferers experience an increase in bowel movements, particularly when running and jumping.
• Abdominal pain. This may be reduced by exercise; however, some people report a worsening of abdominal pain with certain physical activity.
• Gas. Exercise encourages wind, which can be daunting during group exercise.
• Bloating. People with bloating may decide to refrain from exercise altogether while symptomatic or may need to adjust their activity.
• Depression and anxiety.
Exercise is understood to help support wellbeing, however some find themselves unable to be physically active when struggling with their mental health.
• Fatigue. 22% of IBS sufferers find that fatigue interferes with their physical training.
In general, low-to-moderate intensity exercise appears to reduce IBS symptoms, but as exercise intensity and duration increases, so does the risk of gastrointestinal disturbance. Relaxation exercise, particularly yoga and Tai Chi, have been shown to reduce IBS symptom severity and similarly, mountaineering appears to reduce psychological stress.
It’s important to note that moderate exercise can cause positive changes in the gut microbiota. Therefore, instead of discontinuing exercise, adapt to suit your current circumstances and symptoms and make sure you have a good diet. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition which affects digestion and the stomach. Symptoms include stomach cramps, bloating and diarrhoea, which can make exercise unappealing.
