Fitness and Weight Loss

Physical activity provides many benefits to our health: it helps to control weight, protects us from heart disease, keeps your bones strong, helps control diabetes and to prevent the occurrence of some cancers, including breast cancer. However, few people know the effects of exercise on the digestive system.

According to a study conducted in Minnesota (United States) in overweight men and women, the gastrointestinal problems were improving with exercise, but on the other hand, these same digestive problems could limit the ability to do so. Even with all the symptoms that reflected the people relieved just because you exercise.

The stomach of the study participants were: stomach pain, irritable bowel, diarrhea and swelling. The interesting study is that overweight people who had suffered more than most gastrointestinal problems, but as the exercise accompanied by a reduction of fat in your meals and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, the symptoms diminished.

Moreover, it has linked the amount of exercise you do with constipation. However, physical activity in preventing constipation is not entirely clear. It has been suggested that exercise strengthens the abdominal muscles and stimulate more rapid and efficient passage of food by the intestine.

To avoid constipation, it is recommended to walk at least an hour a day. The recommendation by walking at least 10 minutes after lunch is valid, because it helps to have better digestion. In addition to stimulating the passage of stool, helping to keep up a better preparation of the fecal bolus by the simple force of gravity.

Moreover, exercise is beneficial in helping to relax and break free from mental stress. Excessive stress can aggravate the symptoms of constipation and irritable colon.

Recommendations to control constipation

• When you’re wanting to evacuate, go immediately. Do not postpone.
• Follow a schedule to go to the bathroom. A good time may be after breakfast or any meal.
• Eat more fiber.
• Take plenty of fluids. These may include water, juices, soups, tea and other beverages.
• Avoid taking laxatives frequently.
• If you feel stressed out (a), salt to walk or practice some method of relaxation such as yoga.
• Eat slowly and chew food well.
• Avoid sodas.
• And above all, do more physical activity and move more.