Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a digestive ailment characterized by symptoms that frequently include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, bloating and constipation. Doctors don't know exactly what causes these problems, and the disorder manifests in a variety of forms. If you have IBS, participation in a regular exercise program may help reduce your symptoms by lowering your stress levels.
Basics
While doctor's don't know what triggers IBS, they have identified several prominent potential causes. In some cases, individuals with the disorder may have large intestines with unusual sensitivities to the foods in their everyday diets. In other cases, individuals with IBS may have lost the ability to properly absorb the liquid content of digested food. Other potential factors in the development include irregular or absent movement of waste through the bowels; bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract; abnormal intestinal buildup of a chemical in the bowels called serotonin; and the presence of a food sensitivity disorder called celiac disease.
Emotional Stress
The presence of emotional stress can significantly worsen the effects of IBS, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC. This effect is possible because your large intestine is partially controlled by your autonomic nervous system, an involuntary link between your brain and nerves that reacts to intense emotions. If you have IBS, even low-level stress reactions can trigger spasms in your intestine that worsen your symptoms. The presence of stress can also increase your awareness of your IBS-related symptoms and magnify their perceived effects.
Exercise
Regular participation in exercises such as yoga or walking can significantly reduce your stress levels and lower the severity of your IBS symptoms, the NDDIC notes. In a study reported in 2011 in "The American Journal of Gastroenterology," 43 percent of individuals with IBS who exercised three to five days a week over a period of three months experienced medically significant reductions of their symptoms, as well as self-reported improvements in their basic quality of life. As a result, the study recommends exercise as a primary treatment for individuals with the disorder.
Considerations
In some cases, the symptoms of IBS fluctuate over time; in other cases, they worsen steadily without treatment. Additional measures that can substantially reduce your stress levels include undergoing training for stress management and/or relaxation, reducing your exposure to everyday high-stress situations, getting adequate amounts of sleep and seeking help through counseling or other forms of emotional support. Consult with your doctor before beginning exercise for the relief of your IBS-related symptoms.
