14. The Role of Physical Activity: A Moving Experience for the Stomach
It’s well known that exercise affects muscle tone and heart health, but its implications for chronic gastritis are less obvious. Research has shown that physical activity may actually influence the gut environment, which in turn, can affect conditions like gastritis.
Most of us are aware that stress can contribute to various gut issues, including gastritis. Physical activity is a natural stress reliever. It releases endorphins, known as ‘feel-good hormones,’ which could indirectly help alleviate gastritis symptoms. Exercise acts as a modulator for stress, a commonly overlooked variable in the management of chronic gastritis.
The type of exercise you engage in can also make a difference. High-intensity workouts may not be the best choice for someone with gastritis. These types of activities can raise cortisol levels, a hormone that’s known to aggravate inflammation. Alternatively, low-impact exercises like yoga and walking can be more stomach-friendly options.
But it’s not all good news. Overexertion can result in what experts term “exercise-induced gastritis.” This is a situation where too much physical activity could actually make your symptoms worse. It’s a balancing act, really, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.
Exercise then, in the context of chronic gastritis, becomes a double-edged sword. While it holds the promise of stress relief and potentially better gut health, it can also exacerbate symptoms if not appropriately managed. It’s yet another complex layer in the multifaceted realm of chronic gastritis. (14)
