Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder that causes cramping, stomach pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Even though IBS causes a lot of discomfort, it doesn't harm the intestines or lead to a serious disease. Approximately 20 percent of the adult population has symptoms of IBS, and it occurs before the age of 35 in about 50 percent of sufferers, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Symptoms of IBS can be controlled in most cases by medication, diet, stress management and exercise.
Causes
No specific cause of IBS has been identified, but there are a few theories. IBS may be caused by a colon that is overly sensitive to certain foods and anxiety, an autoimmune response, spasms that periodically occur in the colon, an inefficient fluid regulation leading to constipation or diarrhea, abnormal serotonin levels in the colon, a bacterial infection or very mild celiac disease.
Benefits of Exercise
According to a study published in "The American Journal of Gastroenterology" in January 2011, physical activity, such as walking or yoga, improves IBS symptoms. In the study, a group of 102 IBS patients were divided into a physical activity group and a control group in which current lifestyles were to be maintained. Among patients who completed the study, those in the physical activity group reported significant improvements in IBS symptoms.
Anxiety
Stress and anxiety may cause IBS or exacerbate symptoms. Exercise may help improve symptoms of anxiety by releasing chemicals that improve your mood and by increasing body temperature, which can have a calming effect. Exercise can also help you gain confidence by meeting goals and challenges, provide a distraction that will help you take your mind off worries, allow you to get more social interaction and help you cope with problems or worries in a healthy way.
Food Allergies
If getting more exercise doesn't improve your symptoms, you may need to eliminate foods from your diet that bring on IBS symptoms. Foods and drinks like alcohol, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, candy, artificial sweeteners and dairy products may cause diarrhea, constipation, bloating and discomfort. If your IBS symptoms seem to appear or get worse after eating certain foods or having certain drinks, you may have an allergy and need to see your doctor.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- "The American Journal of Gastroenterology"; Physical Activity Improves Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Sybdrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial; E. Johannesson et al;, January 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Eases Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
