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 Keeping Fit
Keeping in shape is important for everyone, but it can be especially helpful for people with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. The long-term benefits of exercise-even if your routine is periodically interrupted-can include faster recovery from abdominal surgery, reversal of muscle weakness and wasting, and prevention of calcium and protein loss from your bones.
Which Kind of Exercise Is Right for Me?- Always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Become familiar with the signs of potential health problems, especially if you're taking medication.
- Aerobic exercise, such as fast walking, reverses muscle weakness and wasting, prevents calcium and protein loss, and stimulates endorphins (hormones that appear to lift the spirits).
- Low-impact aerobic exercises-those that do not jar the body such as swimming or cycling-are generally easier for IBD patients to tolerate.
- Weight training can rebuild muscles that have been weakened by illness or corticosteroid use.
- Vigorous aerobics classes and weightlifting sometimes can increase diarrhea, cramps, and nausea. If your exercise regimen aggravates your symptoms, switch to a new program.
- Contact sports, such as football and soccer, pose a greater risk for injury, especially if bones are weakened or if you have an ostomy. Perianal disease may be aggravated during activities such as horseback riding, biking, and running.
- If you have had a muscle, bone, or joint injury, consult a physical therapist or sports medicine expert.
Getting Back in Shape after Surgery- Don't jeopardize your recovery by rushing back to a fitness program.
- Avoid strenuous activity for six weeks after abdominal surgery and don't lift anything heavier than 15 pounds.
- For the first month, work out no more than two days a week for 35 to 45 minutes.
- Walking up and down stairs provides a good aerobic workout. Exercise devices-e.g., rowing machines and aerobics videos-are also helpful.
Eating Right When You Exercise- Don't eat solid food for three hours before aerobic exercise.
- Drink water or commercial preparations with a combination of glucose or fructose plus electrolytes, such as Gatorade®.
- Drink plenty of fluids before and after exercising. This is especially important for people who experience diarrhea or ostomy discharge.
- If you exercise regularly, your diet should include high amounts of protein and calories. Eating several small meals throughout the day will help you get the nutrients you need.
- If you experience diarrhea while exercising, try eating foods high in potassium, or take supplements.
Date Posted: September 8, 2005 |
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