Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes bleeding ulcers in your colon and rectum, can be painful and debilitating. Although there is no cure for this chronic condition, the University of Maryland Medical Center says that you can control flares -- the sudden reappearance of symptoms during a period of remission -- through diet, medication and lifestyle changes. Physical activity does not normally cause flares, and in fact can help to alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colitis, promote well-being and improve your quality of life.
Ulcerative Colitis Features
Ulcerative colitis, which affects more than 500,000 people in the United States, occurs five times more frequently in people of Jewish descent than in the rest of the population. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, the cause is unknown, but genetics and immune response both play a role; a diet high in saturated fat and sugar may contribute, as well. Symptoms include frequent -- often bloody -- diarrhea, abdominal cramps, a sensation of urgently needing to defecate, weight loss, anemia, and aching joints. Ulcerative colitis is usually diagnosed by stool sample, blood tests, biopsy or colonoscopy. UMMC notes that ulcerative colitis is normally treated with anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroids; due to side effects, the latter are more suited for short-term use. In some cases, surgery is needed.
Benefits of Exercise for Ulcerative Colitis
Regular exercise can increase your energy levels, help combat the depression and stress that often occur with ulcerative colitis, and help to ease symptoms. According to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, regular exercise can lead to better bowel function. Ellen J. Scherl, M.D., associate professor of medicine of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, says that aerobic exercise can counter some of the effects of inflammatory bowel disease, helping to reverse muscle weakness and wasting and preventing calcium loss. There is some research supporting the belief that exercise can help to alleviate inflammatory bowel disease. In a review of studies conducted by Victor Ng and colleagues and published in the October 2006 issue of "The Canadian Journal Gastroenterology," researchers found that exercise appeared to help symptoms of Crohn's disease -- a condition similar to ulcerative colitis -- and improve quality of life.
Guidelines and Expert Recommendations
Scherl recommends aerobic exercise such as swimming, walking, jogging, cycling and dancing, but notes that the exercise routine should be tailored to the individual. Some patients find that repetitive bouncing movements -- such as occasioned by dancing or jogging -- cause nausea; for these patients, walking or swimming are better options. Scherl also recommends resistance training with free weights or weight machines to reverse muscle and bone loss caused by taking steroids. Colitis Recovery concurs, saying that strength training not only helps build lean muscle mass but has an inflammation-lowering effect on the body over time.
Precautions
Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise regime for ulcerative colitis, and begin with mild exercise, especially if you have been sedentary. Scherl stresses the importance of washing hands after workouts to avoid infection from exercise equipment, especially if you are taking drugs that suppress the immune system. Staying well hydrated, taking the time to properly warm up and cool down, and avoiding overly vigorous or prolonged exercise sessions are other common-sense guidelines you should observe.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- Salix.com: Your Digestive Health Newsletter--IBD and Your Lifestyle
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital: Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Colitis Recovery: The Effect of Exercise on Ulcerative Colitis
- PMC: Exercise and Crohn's Disease--Speculation on Potential Benefits
