Exercises to cure ulcerative colitis effectively

This is an automatically translated article.

Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
In addition to medication, exercises for ulcerative colitis can also help control symptoms. Starting with a reasonable and moderate exercise regimen will bring good results for the patient.

1. The benefits of exercise for people with ulcerative colitis

Exercise can lower blood pressure and help you maintain a healthy weight. In addition, it can also promote a better mood. A chronic health condition like ulcerative colitis can affect your quality of life, causing frustration, anxiety, or depression. Physical activity stimulates the brain to produce endorphins, or feel-good hormones.
When you exercise, you will be mentally better, making it easier to cope with the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Exercise is also helpful because of its anti-inflammatory effects. Uncontrolled inflammation in the intestinal tract leads to ulcers and the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. After exercising, you may notice an improvement in your condition.
Exercise can also reduce the risk of colon cancer. Regular exercise stimulates intestinal contractions and helps food pass through the digestive system faster, reducing gastrointestinal exposure to carcinogens.
Some people feel that they don't have time to exercise. But it doesn't take long to notice the benefits of a healthy exercise routine. In fact, you only need about two and a half hours of moderate-intensity exercise a week.

2. Some exercises to cure ulcerative colitis effectively

2.1. Yoga Can Cure Ulcerative Colitis Managing ulcerative colitis symptoms often involves medication and dietary changes. But since stress can worsen ulcerative colitis, you must reduce your stress levels.
One activity that can help you exercise and reduce stress is yoga. Yoga is one of the effective exercises to treat moderate or severe ulcerative colitis. These gentle movements not only help relieve stress, but they also build muscle strength and improve joint flexibility.
Yoga is safe but injury can be caused by repetitive muscle strain or overstretching. To start practicing safely and effectively, join a yoga course at a gym or community center.
2.2. Jogging improves ulcerative colitis symptoms Jogging is a sporting activity that improves heart health and tones muscles. This activity can also relieve stress and keep your bowels working properly, but running isn't for everyone.
Because some people get diarrhea after jogging. Symptoms of this condition include abdominal pain and loose stools. Therefore, talk to your doctor to see if running is the right activity for you.

2.3. Cycling Cycling is a sport that helps in physical exercise, reduces stress as well as controls inflammation in the body. This is also a low-impact exercise, but for people with ulcerative colitis, it should be done at a moderate intensity.
Start with short trips a few days a week for 10 or 15 minutes. Then slowly increase the length of your ride or the number of days you ride.
2.4. Swimming Swimming is a low-impact exercise to increase endurance, strengthen muscles, maintain a healthy weight as well as cure ulcerative colitis.
Start easy laps of 5 to 10 minutes, then add 5 minutes to your swim time each week. Choose an intensity that doesn't worsen your symptoms.
2.5. Strength exercises Ulcerative colitis can also put you at risk for osteoporosis, a disease that weakens your bones. This is because anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat ulcerative colitis can interfere with bone-forming cells. Often, this can lead to a higher risk of fracture.
To promote and encourage bone health, incorporate more weight-bearing exercises into your regimen. Examples include tennis, dance, and strength training with free weights, weight machines, or endurance training.
However, before engaging in strength training, you should consult experts to learn the right techniques. This can help you avoid injury while exercising.
In short, ulcerative colitis exercises are not always easy to do. Therefore, the person needs to do appropriate exercises depending on the severity of the symptoms. Consult your doctor for guidance on choosing the right exercises.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References:
A guide to yoga. (2018). nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/guide-to-yoga/ Benefits of cycling. (2016). nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/cycling-health-benefits/ Cramer H, et al. (2017). Randomised clinical trial: yoga vs written self-care advice for ulcerative colitis. DOI: 10.1111/apt.14062 Mayo Clinic Staff. Ulcerative colitis flare-ups: 5 tips to manage them. (2018). crohnsandcolitis.com/living-with-crohns-uc/ulcerative-colitis/diet-and-exercise Physical activity and cancer. (2017). cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet Swimming for fitness. (2016). nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/swimming-for-fitness/