Certain exercises, such as yoga, may help reduce Crohn’s disease symptoms. A person with Crohn’s disease should always consult their doctor before trying any new exercise.
Crohn’s disease occurs when a person’s immune system overreacts to harmless bacteria that live in the gut. When the immune system attacks these bacteria, it causes inflammation.
When a person experiences symptoms of Crohn’s disease, it is called a flare-up.
Some evidence suggests that exercise may help reduce Crohn’s flare-ups. Read on to learn more about exercise and Crohn’s disease, as well as any possible risks.
A person who has Crohn’s disease can usually exercise. However, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation suggests that they limit exercise when they have a flare-up.
It is important that a person allows their body to rest and recover from a flare-up before resuming normal exercise levels.
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There are no specific guidelines on how much or how little exercise a person with Crohn’s should do. A doctor can provide more specific guidance based on a person’s individual circumstances, but generally they should only exercise for as long as they are comfortable.
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation notes that even a 30-minute walk three times per week can be beneficial to a person with Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms may be milder or more severe in one person with Crohn’s than in another. It is therefore important that a person speaks to their doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
There are various benefits exercise may have for a person with Crohn’s disease.
Easing GI symptoms
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A person who has Crohn’s disease may experience symptoms such as:
- persistent diarrhea
- constipation, which may lead to bowel obstruction
- rectal bleeding
- abdominal pain and cramping
- urgent need to have a bowel movement
- feeling of having an incomplete bowel movement
Managing stress
Stress is a possible trigger for a flare-up of symptoms. Exercise can help reduce stress, which may help manage symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Reducing bone loss risk
According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, between 30% and 60% of people with Crohn’s disease will experience bone density loss. A person who has bone density loss may be more likely to have fractures or breaks in their bones.
Regular exercise may help reduce the likelihood of bone loss.
Managing depression
People who have Crohn’s disease are more likely to experience depression than those who do not. Depression may be higher in people with Crohn’s disease due to decreased quality of life or low self-esteem.
Exercise may help manage depression and improve mental health. Taking part in exercise can release endorphins into a person’s body. Endorphins are chemicals that can boost feelings of happiness and reduce pain.
Boosting the immune system
To treat Crohn’s disease symptoms, some people may need to take immunosuppressants. Immunosuppressants help reduce the effects of a person’s overreacting immune system.
However, immunosuppressants work by suppressing a person’s immune responses, meaning their immune system may become weaker.
Exercise may help improve immune function. However, more research on people with Crohn’s disease is necessary.
Reducing inflammation
Moderate exercise can be beneficial for a person with Crohn’s disease due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
These anti-inflammatory benefits may be due in part to the release of myokines by the skeletal muscles. Myokines are proteins that the body releases during exercise that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Preventing flare-ups
Getting enough regular physical activity or exercise may help reduce the risk of a flare-up in people with Crohn’s disease.
More research into how much exercise could manage the risk of flare-ups is necessary.
Reduced cancer risk
People with Crohn’s disease that affects their colon may also have a higher chance of developing colon cancer.
While more research is necessary, researchers suggest that exercise may reduce a person’s chance of developing colon cancer by
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation recommends that a person with Crohn’s disease try low impact exercises.
There are certain exercises that may be beneficial for a person who has Crohn’s disease.
Yoga
Yoga is a form of exercise that is low impact and builds strength. Additionally, yoga can provide relaxation.
A 2019 review found that yoga-based programs significantly improved depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life in people with IBD.
Moderate aerobic exercises
Aerobic exercises are exercises that increase a person’s heart rate. Aerobic exercises include:
- walking
- swimming
- cycling
These low impact exercises may be beneficial for people with Crohn’s disease.
Combined resistance and impact training
Resistance training involves weightlifting, sit-ups, and squats. It involves building strength by exerting force to push, pull, or work against a form of resistance.
Impact exercises include various types of jumping, such as skipping rope and squat jumps.
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However, a person with Crohn’s disease should speak with their doctor before doing any high impact exercises.
Strenuous activity may impair a person’s immune system for up to 24 hours after exercise. It is generally best to avoid intense workouts if a person has Crohn’s disease.
Frequent diarrhea in Crohn’s disease can cause a person to become dehydrated more easily. It is important that a person stays properly hydrated during exercise.
A person who has Crohn’s disease should always consult their doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen.
Mild to moderate exercise has a variety of health benefits for a person who has Crohn’s disease, such as easing symptoms, managing stress, and reducing inflammation. Exercise may also help reduce the risk of flare-ups in some people.
Forms of exercise that could be especially beneficial to a person with Crohn’s disease include yoga, moderate aerobic exercises, and combined resistance and impact training. Intense activity may have more risks than benefits for a person with Crohn’s disease
A person with Crohn’s disease should speak with their doctor before starting any new exercises. The doctor can advise on the suitability of the exercises and provide information about their possible benefits.