move food more smoothly though the busy schedule.l suggest that individuals healthy digestion.
y digestion. These beneficial mi-
By: Dr. Patrick Dorvilus
n" secret thar regular exer-
ft
cise is a key element to a healthy
I/ life. Exercise reduces stress,
strengthens muscles, the heart and
lungs, and helps to lower cholesterol.
It also helps to control weight, fight
off chronic disease and boosts the
immune system, and can help to pro-
mote a good nightk sleep.
Yet another important benefit of
exercise is promoting healthy diges-
tion. The digestive system and intes-
tines are made of an intricate network
of smooth muscles. These muscles
contract and move to break down and
digest food. This movement is called
digestive motility. Exercise helps to
tone and strengthen these muscles
to promote healthy digestion. When
intestines while helping to support the
body's natural digestive rhythms.
Exercise has a proven to be ben-
eficial for the digestive s)rstem.ln 2005,
in a study involving 1,800 adults, re-
searchers concluded that exercise and
a healthy diet could help obese people
reduce digestive problems such as
stomach pain, diarrhea, and irritable
bowel syndrome. Another study that
took place in the Netherlands focused
on determining whether the digestive
system is an athletic organ.This study
stated that gastro intestinal symptoms
could be prevented with exercise.
Although it may be surprising, the
bowel and intestines are oftentimes
calm during exercise. lf an individual
exercises on a regular basis, they are
more likely to develop strong, condi-
tioned muscles.This can cause the in-
testines and bowel to relax even when
the individual is not exercising.
Another important benefit of ex-
ercise is stress reduction. Exercising
releases endorphins, which are the
braink neurotransmitters that bring
on positive feelings.When an individual
is less stressed, the body's muscles -
including those in the digestive tract
- can be more relaxed. Exercise and
endorphins directly affect mood and,
in turn, can help to support healthy di-
gestive function.
begin with a gentle exercise regimen, croorganisms, or microflora, naturally
such as walking, and gradually build up occur in our bodies by the billions! Of-
to more challenging activities. Taking tentimes, our bodies are depleted of
a fifteen minute walk during a lunch these important microorganisms due
break will help to promote digestion to medications, such as antibiotics, and
and help to re-energize and re-focus diet.This can result in gastrointestinal
for the afternoon. Taking a walk with discomfort, bowel irregularity and nau-
friends, family or a pet after work is sea. Taking a recommended probiotic
not only great exercise, but an op- supplement can help to maintain and
portunity to build relationships that, restore these beneficial bacteria and
in turn, promote overall well-being. can potentially help maintain digestive
Swimming is an excellent way to gradu- health.
ally strengthen the body while working
toward more rigorous activities. Some
of my patients practice yoga, which not
only strengthens the body, but helps to
promote a sense of calm.
Along with an exercise regimen,
many people have benefited from a
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n Street, Manchester, CT 06042
Tel: (860) 649-6944 (MYGI)
Web: www.drdorvilus.com