A work out for your digestion

 Start small, feel the difference 

Regular exercise combined with a healthy diet can also reduce stress and boost your everyday energy levels.

If you can manage three 30-minute sessions of exercise a week, that’s great. Try walking, swimming, jogging or cycling or perhaps choose an exercise class.

If that sounds too daunting, don’t be disheartened. Small things can make a difference too and it’s easy to incorporate little bursts of activity into your daily routine.

• Take the stairs instead of the lift 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 high-impact exercise, like running, can exacerbate diarrhea for people with IBS. If this sounds like you, try doing something gentler like yoga or Pilates.

Yoga has a great reputation for reducing the occurrence of diarrhea, while its stretching, breathing and meditative techniques can help you release tension and stay calm.

 Exercise & stress 

Exercise is known to have a positive effect on stress. We also know that, for some people, stress and anxiety can trigger diarrhea. So, in our high-pressure world, it’s good to know that regular exercise can not only improve your overall digestive health, but it can help avert one of the common  diarrhea causes.

 Exercise & menstruation 

If you’re one of the many women who suffer from diarrhea during your period, a little exercise can help. It might be the last thing you feel like doing when your period’s getting you down, but some physical activity will really boost your digestion, as well as your mood, to help alleviate the symptoms of your monthly cycle. Menstruation and diarrhea can be managed.