IBS Syndrome And Exercise

What should I know about IBS?

IBS Syndrome or Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder which causes the intestines, which is also called the bowels or the gut to be oversensitive.

IBS Syndrome Symptoms

The oversensitivity of the gut causes a variety of symptoms, which usually includes abdominal cramps, abdominal swelling, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pains, nausea, and gas or flatulence.

Causes Of IBS Syndrome

These IBS syndrome symptoms may occur at any age, although late childhood and early adulthood are usually when they first appear. Nearly twenty percent of the population is suffering from IBS syndrome and it is women, who are also more likely to be afflicted than men.

The causes of IBS syndrome are unknown. Your intestinal walls are lined with layers of muscle that relax and contract as they move food from your stomach, through your intestines, and onto your rectum.

Usually these muscles move in a balanced rhythm, but the contractions become stronger and last longer with IBS syndrome. Food is forced through your intestines more quickly (or slowly), causing cramps, diarrhea, and/or constipation.

IBS syndrome is a potentially devastating disorder and cannot be taken lightly. Both physically and psychologically, people afflicted with IBS syndrome are subject to much pain.

Anyone who has ever had abdominal cramps will tell you that it is not exactly nice to have; anyone who has ever had diarrhea knows just how inconvenient it could be. Some IBS syndrome sufferers have been known to spend eight to ten hours in the bathroom. And that is just not the way to spend your life.

Unfortunately, a large portion of IBS sufferers find that their condition is chronic; the IBS syndrome symptoms appear from time to time and cannot be fully cured.

Availing the medical health is the best thing what an IBS sufferer can do, as well as make changes in his/her lifestyle. Making the right changes usually lessens the probability of the IBS syndrome symptoms surfacing; they can also decrease their impact.

On the top of the list is changing your diet; coming a close second is getting some regular exercise.

Makes Your Body Strong

For a IBS syndrome sufferer, exercise is important for a variety of reasons. First, exercise generally makes your body stronger. It is usually a good idea to be on a regular exercise program, no matter what disease or disorder you might be suffering from.

Exercise boosts the immune system, making other diseases and disorders less likely to occur.

Stress Reliever

Second, exercise is an excellent stress-reliever. Some medical practitioners believe that IBS syndrome has psychological roots. This means that IBS syndrome might have its beginnings in a mental state.

A highly-stressed mind is prone to mental problems; mental problems lead to physical problems. IBS syndrome symptoms have often been observed to occur when a person is under unusual amounts of stress.

So it has not been proved that stress is a cause of IBS syndrome, but it certainly worsens the situation. Every effort to reduce undue stress must be made. Exercising is one of the best ways to do this.

People who exercise regularly report a feeling of well-being after their sessions. This is what is called the “jogger’s high.” After an exercise session, the brain releases endorphins and these endorphins actually have the same effect as morphine, albeit in a more sedate manner.

These endorphins act as natural painkillers; a must for serious IBS syndrome sufferers. So don’t forget: exercise is not only good for you; it makes you feel good as well.