Fact 12: Get Moving
Physical activity doesn’t just benefit our cardiovascular health and muscles; it has a direct impact on our digestive health. Regular exercise stimulates the natural contraction of intestinal muscles, ensuring food moves smoothly through the digestive tract. This reduces the time the colon retains waste, lowering the risk of constipation.
Different exercises offer varied benefits for the gut. Aerobic exercises, like walking, jogging, and swimming, increase heart rate, which in turn stimulates intestinal muscles. Yoga and Pilates, with their focus on core and flexibility, can also aid in enhancing digestive health, particularly poses that involve abdominal contractions or twists.
For gut health, consistency is crucial. It’s not just about rigorous workouts but setting a daily routine, even if it’s just a brisk 20-minute walk. Ensuring regular movement can help in staving off constipation and promoting overall digestive well-being.
Exercise’s benefits extend beyond just alleviating constipation. It aids in weight management, reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, and even aids in balancing gut bacteria. The diverse range of benefits underscores the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into one’s lifestyle. (12)
