4. Regular Exercise: Motion is the Potion
Getting regular exercise might feel like an uphill battle when dealing with UC pain, but it’s a battle worth fighting. A well-planned exercise regimen can do wonders for your overall health and specifically aid in managing your UC symptoms.
Engaging in regular physical activity has a direct influence on your digestive system. It stimulates the natural contraction of intestinal muscles, assisting in the movement of food through your system, which can help alleviate some UC symptoms. Moreover, exercise helps keep your weight under control, which is beneficial as excess weight can exacerbate UC symptoms.
In addition, exercise has potent anti-inflammatory effects. Physical activity prompts the release of anti-inflammatory molecules into your bloodstream, which can help reduce the inflammation associated with UC. This natural inflammation reduction can, in turn, contribute to lessening the pain experienced due to UC.
Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can be common in people dealing with chronic illnesses like UC. By helping you combat these psychological stressors, exercise can indirectly help manage UC pain. (4)
