Constipation occurs when a person has fewer than three bowel movements per week and stools are difficult to eliminate. Bloating, straining and a feeling of a full bowel are common. Over 4 million Americans suffer from frequent constipation, reports the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC. Constipation accounts for 2.5 million doctor visits annually, and Americans spend over $725 million on laxative products each year. Lifestyle changes such as increased exercise can help prevent constipation, while improving a person's overall health at the same time.
Correlation
Though medical professionals don't know exactly why, there seems to be a connection between insufficient physical activity and constipation, according to the NDDIC. For example, constipation is common among individuals confined to bed rest or wheelchairs and among older adults. MayoClinic.com explains that a lack of physical activity may cause the intestines to slow down. When stools pass through the colon slowly, they absorb more water and they become hard and dry, causing constipation.
Recommendation
MayoClinic.com recommends at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week to help stimulate proper intestinal function. Speeding up the movement of stools through the intestines is one of the less frequently talked about benefits of aerobic exercise, exercise that promotes the circulation of oxygen through the blood as it requires the heart and lungs to work harder.
Considerations
Choose aerobic activities that you enjoy, and include a variety of them to keep your exercise program interesting. Some popular types of aerobic exercise include walking, swimming, bicycling, tennis, running and dance.
If you are confined to bed or a wheelchair, non-aerobic exercises may help prevent constipation, according to MedlinePlus, the website from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Change positions often, and do leg raises and abdominal contraction exercises several times a day. Talk to a physical therapist if you have questions about appropriate exercises for your condition.
Expert Insight
Though increasing the frequency and duration of your exercise will help prevent constipation, FamilyDoctor.org, the website from the American Academy of Family Physicians, also emphasizes the importance of eating enough fiber and drinking enough liquid in order to stay regular. If all of these changes don't solve the problem, you should consider seeking medical attention. Your constipation may be a symptom of a medical condition, disease or interaction with medication that you don't want to ignore.
Member Comments