When your IBD symptoms worsen, it is important that exercise does not cause additional stress on your body. Heavy exercise may raise the abdominal pressure and cause bleeding from ulcers in the intestinal wall. Very strenuous exercise, such as running a marathon, may cause gastrointestinal symptoms even for healthy people. Still, considering all the benefits that physical activity has, even a small amount of exercise would be better than no exercise at all.
In normal conditions, the intestines eliminate 100-200 millilitres of water per day in faeces. If you have diarrhoea or vomit, the water loss can be up to 5000 millilitres. This decreases your exercise performance, especially in a hot environment, when you lose water as sweat as well. Therefore, it is important to drink large quantities of fluids. Mineral water that contains a little sodium and potassium is better than normal water.
Leaving home may be difficult or impossible with diarrhoea. In this case, you can exercise at home with a fitness ball or a pair of dumbbells. If abdominal pain or fatigue prevents you from performing vigorous activities, try yoga or stretching. Remember that even cleaning the house or working in the garden is exercise. If all physical activity feels too strenuous for you, concentrate on resting - perhaps you will have more energy tomorrow. Keep in mind however, that your body secretes a hormone called endorphin, which acts as painkiller, when you exercise.
If your symptoms include fever, you should take it easy. Going for a short walk is most likely safe, if the fever is not very high. In most cases it is best to listen to your own body.
For further reading:
McArdle, W. D., Katch, F. I. & Katch, V. L. (2001). Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance. USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Vuori, I. & Taimela, S. (1999). Liikuntalääketiede. Helsinki: Duodecim.
Roitman, J. L. (1998). ACSM's Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription Third Edition. USA: Williams & Wilkins.
Mälkiä, E. & Rintala, P. (2002). Uusi erityisliikunta. Helsinki: Liikuntatieteellinen Seura ry.
