{"id":4753,"date":"2023-04-13T13:59:06","date_gmt":"2023-04-13T18:59:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/?p=4753"},"modified":"2023-04-13T14:10:09","modified_gmt":"2023-04-13T19:10:09","slug":"exercises-for-digestive-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/exercises-for-digestive-health","title":{"rendered":"Exercises for Digestive Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Close to two-thirds<\/a> of adults in the U.S. say that they have trouble with digestive symptoms. These issues, which can include everything from heartburn to nausea to bloating to diarrhea, can majorly disrupt your life and make it harder to do the things you want to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts often recommend frequent exercise<\/a> as a way to keep you feeling good and to make sure your digestive organs are all working as they should. Any type of regular physical activity can help support healthy digestion. However, the following types of activities may be more effective when it comes to reducing tummy troubles and fixing certain bathroom issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, we know \u2014 you were probably looking for more exciting exercise options that make you feel like you\u2019re making a big impact right away. However, going on a stroll around the block may be one of the best things you can do for your gut. And yes, we do mean simply walking. You won\u2019t get additional benefits by cranking up the intensity and turning your stroll into a run. In fact, you\u2019ll probably feel worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many studies have found that walking can be great for digestion. It can help empty food out of your stomach more quickly<\/a>, which can reduce symptoms<\/a> like heartburn and abdominal pain and help your body absorb more nutrients from your food. A short walk may also prevent large blood sugar spikes<\/a> and minimize gas<\/a> while relieving discomfort and feelings of fullness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking may also help relieve symptoms<\/a> of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)<\/a> and reduce your risk<\/a> of digestive diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They say timing is everything \u2014 and this includes scheduling your walks. Hit the pavement right after your meal for optimal results. A bit of light-intensity exercise immediately after eating has the biggest effects<\/a> on controlling your blood sugar levels and may make losing weight easier<\/a>. Even just a couple of minutes of walking can be enough to produce results!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yoga<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Building a regular yoga practice<\/a> has long been known to help with IBS<\/a> and IBD<\/a>. It can lessen digestive symptoms and improve the well-being of those living with these conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yoga may also help those without a diagnosed digestive disorder. There is a strong connection between your brain and your gut<\/a>, meaning that stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can manifest as digestive symptoms<\/a> and chronic inflammation in your intestines. Yoga\u2019s stress-fighting abilities<\/a> can help you relax both mentally and physically and lead to better digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For improved digestive health, some yoga experts recommend<\/a> poses or movements that involve twisting or stretching your abdominal area. This may help massage your internal digestive organs<\/a>. Think of poses like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n