To maintain optimal health, exercise should be a priority. If you are suffering from any type of digestive issue or medical condition, exercise can be challenging. In many cases, exercise can irritate symptoms of some digestive disorders. On the contrary, it may help you better cope with some symptoms. Depending on the digestive issue, you and your doctor should decide on what type and how much exercise you should get on a regular basis.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a type of digestive disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation occurs along the tract and specifically targets the colon and small intestine. Crohn's is caused by an abnormal response in the body's immune system. With Crohn's your body mistakes bacteria for being a foreign substance and reacts by causing inflammation, ulcerations and injury to your bowel. Common symptoms include rectal bleeding, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea and frequent bowel movements. This disease is often chronic but you can go for long periods of time without a flare-up --- this is called remission. If you are exercising when your Crohn's is flaring up it can be challenging unless you are near a bathroom while you are working out.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux disease or GERD can affect your exercise routine. While most symptoms of GERD occur most frequently when you are lying down, they can also be agitated during exercise. Some of the telltale signs of GERD include belching, heartburn, nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting. If you are using a weight bench or lying down for exercise, your GERD can flare up and make it challenging to finish your routine. You can avoid these symptoms by taking an antacid medication up to one hour prior to your workout. Consider reducing your intake of spicy foods before working out to prevent having to stop working out early.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects your large intestine. While there is no main cause of IBS, some foods may be a trigger. You should avoid eating fatty foods, foods high in fiber and drinking coffee prior to your workout. It can be challenging to exercise with IBS because of the symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping and bloating. You can have a successful workout routine when you make changes to your diet, reduce stress and have a bowel movement prior to your workout session.
Diverticulosis
Another digestive issue that can alter your workout routine is diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is a condition in which small sacs begin to develop in your gastrointestinal tract. These sacs can become fluid-filled causing pain and discomfort. Other symptoms include lower left side abdominal pain, constipation, fever and sometimes weight loss. In extreme cases bleeding and infection can occur. If you engage in intense cardio, your symptoms could be aggravated. Your doctor will perform a series of tests such as X-rays, a colonoscopy, CT scan and an enema to pinpoint the problem and make a diagnosis. Once the condition is controlled by surgery, medication and diet, you should be able to resume your normal workout routine with minimal complications.
