:Exercise and Gut Health: What You Need to Know | Cleveland ClinicExercise has the biggest impact on digestion to improve gut health
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Gut health has become an increasingly important topic in recent years, and while diet and probiotics are often discussed, one gastroenterologist recommends that people focus on exercise as a way to keep things moving in the GI tract. Dr. Christine Lee, MD of Cleveland Clinic explains that exercise helps to increase motility within the GI tract, which is the stretching and contracting of the muscles located within the digestive system. This movement helps to absorb food through the body and eliminate what is not used efficiently, preventing discomfort such as bloating.
Dr. Lee explains that gut health is essential for overall health and wellbeing, as it affects how we feel, think and act. Exercise is a key factor in maintaining good gut health, as it helps to keep the intestinal tract strong and muscular. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or alternatively 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Core workouts are particularly important for gut health, such as Pilates, which uses resistance training.
However, Dr. Lee does not recommend that people ignore diet in favor of exercise. She states that both are necessary for a healthy gut, comparing the intake of good quality food to putting high-premium gasoline in a car. A balanced diet with variety is important, as too much of one item can cause vitamin deficiencies which can affect gut health.
Signs of poor gut health include gas, constipation, fatigue, and cramps. If these symptoms persist, it is important to speak with a primary care physician or gastroenterologist who can rule out any other issues contributing to the symptoms and make recommendations for improving gut health. These may include exercise, diet, and in some cases, temporarily using a laxative powder.
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