Getting adequate exercise can be challenging if you have an underlying medical condition. Irritable bowel syndrome, a condition affecting the large intestine, can cause you to make several trips to the bathroom due to sudden and a sometimes uncontrollable urge to pass a bowel movement. Because irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, has several symptoms, it can make exercise uncomfortable. Learn the symptoms of IBS and how to seek treatment so you can have a supercharged workout.
Significance
Physical exercise should be a part of everyone's daily regimen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly as well as two days of strength training. When your IBS flares up, you may have to avoid being away from a nearby bathroom, or you may adjust your schedule based on when your IBS acts up the most.
Causes
There can be several causes of IBS, explains MayoClinic.com. Problems within your colon or central nervous system can trigger an attack. If your nervous system sends signals to your colon to contract muscles in your intestinal tract, you could have an overwhelming urge to go to the bathroom. Foods are a common trigger. Chocolate or lactose-based products may bring on constipation or episodes of diarrhea. Hormone fluctuations in women during their menstrual cycle and in menopause can also cause symptoms to flare. An acute stressful situation can cause the muscles in the intestine to contract and release and make symptoms occur. Not every case is specific and often it is hard to pinpoint a cause, making activities like exercise even more difficult.
Symptoms
Irritable bowel syndrome can have several symptoms but not necessarily all at once. Some of the most common are the sudden urge for a bowel movement, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramping and general malaise. MedlinePlus states that while IBS can place barriers on your lifestyle, especially physical fitness; it does no damage to the intestines.
Precautions
While irritable bowel syndrome is not life-threatening, it could signal that you have an underlying medical condition. Your doctor may want to run a series of tests, including blood tests, to rule out disease and make an accurate diagnosis of IBS. Tests may also include a colonoscopy, stool sample, sigmoidoscopy and x-ray.
Solutions
It is important to seek help for your IBS. The sooner you can manage your IBS, the better quality of life you will have. Good Housekeeping recommends adding probiotics and fiber supplements to your diet. Probiotics may aid your intestinal tract and calm the muscles in your colon and intestine. Fiber helps regulate your digestive system and reduces constipation. Exercise can help you if you have trapped gas or constipation as your symptoms--it helps regulate your muscle contractions and relieves gas. Reducing stress also helps with symptom control so you can better manage exercising and get the most out of your workout.
