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The Gastrointestinal Benefits of Exercise

Exercise can help reduce stress and stress has an influence on gastrointestinal function.38 To help manage your stress, exercise regularly.7

Woman in a starting yoga pose

Start small, feel the difference

Regular exercise combined with a healthy diet can also reduce stress and benefit your general wellness.7

Ideally, strive towards exercising several times a week.36

Consider walking, swimming, jogging or cycling – or choose an exercise class that’s convenient with your schedule.

You can also make smaller inroads to combat a sedentary lifestyle through incorporating other activities into your daily routine.

  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator

  • Walk instead of taking the bus

  • Get off the bus one or two stops early and walk the rest of the way

  • Park your car further away from where you need to be – and walk

  • Walk the long way to work, perhaps taking in a park

  • Borrow the neighbour’s dog and take it for a walk

Be aware that some forms of exercise – like running – can cause diarrhea in some people.37 If you believe that your exercise routine may be causing your diarrhea, talk to your healthcare professional.

7. Managing stress. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. https://www.cdc.gov/features/copingwithstress/index.html. Reviewed May 21, 2012. Updated December 19, 2012. Accessed November 11, 2015.

8. Reddy NK, Singal A, Powell DW. Alcohol-related diarrhea. In: Guandalini S, Vaziri H, eds. Diarrhea: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advances. http://sgh.org.sa/Portals/0/Articles/Diarrhea%20-%20Diagnostic%20and%20Therapeutic%20Advances.pdfOpen link in new window. New York, NY: Humana Press; 2011:379-392.

36. Digestive health. Harvard Health Publications Web site. http://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/digestive-health. Accessed November 19, 2015.

37. Puetz T. Exercise & GI symptoms. International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Web site. http://www.iffgd.org/site/manage-your-health/tips-daily-living/exercise. Modified December 12, 2014. Accessed March 24, 2016.

38. Mertz H. Stress and the gut. UNC Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders Web site. http://www.med.unc.edu/ibs/files/educational-gi-handouts/Stress%20and%20.... Accessed March 24, 2016.

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