In fact, when people with IBD perform moderate-intensity bouts of aerobic exercise, they tend to experience a boost in their nutritional health, psychological outlook, and quality of life, according to a review published in 2016 in Pharmacological Reports. “Moderate-intensity exercise decreases the inflammatory response in the body,” says David Stein, MD, a colorectal surgeon specializing in inflammatory bowel disease at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. Plus, he adds, physical activity also reduces stress — a common trigger of ulcerative colitis flares. “When you’re running, you feel good,” says Dr. Stein. “And an overall reduction of stress in your life is huge, especially if you have ulcerative colitis… The disease progresses when people are in stressful situations, but their symptoms improve when they leave a stressful environment.”
What to Know About Exercise and Ulcerative Colitis
Aerobic exercise is a known stress-reliever — and even small bouts of activity can have significant effects: For example, a study published in 2017 the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that people who substituted 30 minutes of sedentary behavior with a half an hour of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity experienced a drop in certain markers of inflammation in the body. But bear in mind that “moderate-intensity” is key in order to reap the benefits physical activity has on improving inflammation. The CDC defines moderate exercise as falling somewhere in between 4 and 5 on an intensity scale of one to 10. Just remember to consult your doctor before you start exercising, start slow, and don’t work out too intensely. “Intense aerobic exercise, like the extreme miles logged by avid runners, can actually [restrict blood flow to] your gut and induce colitis symptoms,” Stein says. “The blood supply clamps down because your muscles are getting all the energy.” When it comes to exercising with ulcerative colitis, remember the old adage: “Everything in moderation.”
How to Work More Aerobic Exercise Into Your Routine
Thinking of starting a fitness regimen? Here are a few forms of aerobic exercise you might consider adding to your daily routine:
Brisk walkingRunningCyclingSwimmingSports, like soccer, tennis, or baseball
Whichever activity you choose to start, make sure it’s something you genuinely enjoy. That way, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and reap the health benefits over the long-term.
