Do you often suffer from poor digestion, such as bloating, flatulence, cramps, or constipation? Have you wondered what could really help relieve your abdominal pain? We often fail to connect our lifestyle with our digestive problems. Yet, just like diet, the effort involved in exercise can help reduce your pain or feelings of discomfort, for two main reasons. Also discover all our tips and habits to adopt:
It improves intestinal motility
A healthy digestive system is able to move the food we eat at an optimal speed: slowly enough for us to absorb as many nutrients as possible, but quickly enough to prevent constipation and its consequences (diarrhea, vomiting, etc.).
However, constipation is becoming increasingly common, and experts point to our sedentary lifestyles. Exercise stimulates breathing and heart rate, which promotes the natural contractions of the intestinal muscles, in turn increasing the speed at which food passes through our intestines. Since it does not stagnate in the digestive tract, the amount of water absorbed by our bodies is limited, as is the hardening of the stools, which can then be passed without difficulty, helping to prevent many digestive discomforts.
It contributes to the balance of the microbiota
The intestines, and the colon in particular, are colonized by thousands of tiny bacteria which, when they are in balance (more good bacteria than bad), have numerous benefits, ranging from digestive comfort to stimulating the immune system and maintaining emotional and nervous balance.
Scientific studies show that regular physical exercise, combined with a balanced diet, contributes to the growth of beneficial bacteria that produce a fatty acid called butyrate. Butyrate helps repair the intestinal walls and consequently strengthens the immune system and controls the inflammatory processes responsible for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and Crohn's disease.
In practice?
- It is therefore advisable to wait at least 1 hour after a meal before doing intense physical activity. In fact, eating increases blood flow to the stomach and intestines, and if you exercise at that moment, this blood flow will be redirected to the heart and muscles, causing poor digestion. However, good hydration is essential before starting a workout.
- Choose aerobic activities (cardio) such as brisk walking, running (for runners), swimming, or dancing. Yoga, especially twisting poses, can also be extremely beneficial.
So don't wait any longer to put on your trainers! Your intestines will thank you.
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