Diarrhoea Advice - Movement

Better health means better digestion

Our bodies are designed to move every day so it’s when we are sedentary, that intestinal problems may occur. Regular exercise combined with a healthy diet can reduce tension and stress, increase energy levels and enhance the way our digestive systems work, so even small things like  taking the stairs instead of the elevator can make a big difference. Incorporate gentle exercise into your daily routine and it will be much easier to motivate yourself.

Movements to help improve your rhythm

Watch our video for the best exercises to prevent diarrhoea.

Gentle exercise is best

The better shape you’re in, the healthier your digestive system is likely to be, so exercising more often, even if it’s just something small like walking instead of taking the bus, can really make a difference.

Try walking, swimming, jogging, cycling, or taking exercise classes. If you can manage just three 30 minute sessions a week, you’ll soon feel the effects – and so will your digestive system.

Just one word of warning: some forms of exercise, usually high-impact ones like running, can exacerbate diarrhoea for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. If this means you, try doing something a bit gentler like yoga or pilates. With their emphasis on calmness, meditation, deep breathing and stretching, they are one of the more popular exercise choices for IBS and diarrhoea sufferers. It should be easy to find a yoga or pilates class near home or your place of work, and you should soon see a positive effect on your mood and physical sense of well being.

Exercise and stress

Regular exercise is known to have a positive effect on stress. In our modern world, it’s easy to get anxious or overwhelmed, so it’s good to know there are things you can do to reduce your stress levels. Exercising for only half an hour three times a week can significantly reduce stress and anxiety and lead to better digestive health too.