Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their daily lives. Studies estimate that roughly 1.3 million people have Crohn's, with diagnoses often occurring between the ages of 15 and 35. While there's no cure, managing symptoms and maintaining remission periods is crucial. One powerful tool in this fight? Workout for Crohn’s disease.
In this blog, we explore how working out with Crohn's disease can be beneficial for those afflicted and provide a roadmap for creating safe and effective workout routines, considering factors like disease activity and individual needs. But exercise is just one piece of the puzzle. We'll also delve into essential self-care practices that complement your fitness journey, promoting overall well-being and empowering you to thrive with Crohn's. Continue reading to know more!
Table Of Contents
1. What Is Crohn’s Disease?
2. How Is Crohn’s Disease Caused?
3. What Are Crohn’s Disease Treatments?
4. Tips On Working Out With Crohn’s Disease
5. What Is An Ideal Crohn's Disease Self-Care Routine?
6. Expert’s Advice
7. The Final Say
8. FAQs
9. References
What Is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) known to cause inflammation and irritation in your digestive tract. Crohn’s disease usually affects the small intestine and the beginning of the colon. However, the disease may affect any part of your digestive tract, be it from the mouth to the anus.
It can cause swelling (inflammation) in the digestive tract, abdominal pain, severe diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Inflammation from Crohn's disease can affect different parts of the digestive tract in other people, most commonly the small intestine. This inflammation often spreads to the deeper layers of the intestines. Crohn's disease most often begins gradually and may worsen over time. There may be a period of relief that may last several weeks or years.
Also Read: Is Your Body Weight Index Healthy? Learn How to Calculate and Interpret It!
How Is Crohn’s Disease Caused?
The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, but researchers believe an autoimmune response—when the immune system attacks the body's healthy cells—may be one cause. Genetic factors may also play a role, as Crohn's disease can be linear, i.e. it may run in the family. It is a common myth that stress and eating specific categories of foods may cause this disease. It can worsen the symptoms, while several factors can affect development:
1. Immune System
In Crohn's disease, the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances in the gut, such as food particles or gut bacteria, as threats. This triggers an exaggerated immune response, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage in the digestive tract. While specific viruses or bacteria have not been definitively identified as triggers, infections or environmental factors may play a role in initiating or exacerbating the immune response.
2. Hereditary
Crohn's disease is more common in people who have family members suffering from this disease, so genes may play a major role in increasing the chances of developing it. However, most people with Crohn's disease have no family history of the disease.
3. Gut Microbiota Imbalance
Alterations in the composition and function of gut bacteria may contribute to the development of Crohn's disease, disrupting the delicate balance of the gut ecosystem and promoting inflammation.
What Are Crohn’s Disease Treatments?
Combining different treatment options can help control Crohn’s disease symptoms and live a fulfilling life. Remember that no standard treatment is suitable for all patients. Since each patient’s situation is individual, treatment must be followed in each case. Treatment for Crohn’s disease and other types of IBD may involve medications, clinical trials, diet and nutritional changes, and sometimes surgical procedures to repair or remove diseased areas of the gastrointestinal tract. Let’s have a look at them:
1. Medications
Medicines to treat Crohn’s disease are basically depicted to suppress the unusual inflammatory response of the immune system that causes these symptoms. Inhibiting inflammation relieves common symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, and pain and promotes the healing of intestinal tissue. Along with controlling and suppressing symptoms (inducing remission), medications can also reduce the frequency of symptom recurrence (maintaining remission). Proper treatment can prolong the remission period and shorten the worsening symptoms.
2. Surgery
Even with the proper treatment and diet, two-thirds to three-quarters of people with Crohn’s disease might still need surgery at some point in their lives. Although surgery cannot cure Crohn’s disease, it can preserve part of the gastrointestinal tract and restore the best quality of life. Surgery is needed if medications can no longer control symptoms or if fistulas, fissures, or intestinal obstruction develop. Surgery often involves removing (resecting) a diseased portion of the intestine and then joining the two ends of the healthy intestine together (anastomosis). Although these treatments may eliminate symptoms for several years, Crohn’s disease often recurs later.
Tips On Working Out With Crohn’s Disease
Most people with Crohn’s disease know that there is no cure, but many are trying to find easy ways to relieve their symptoms. Exercise plays a key role in keeping us healthy, including people with Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Research shows that exercise may help manage Crohn’s disease symptoms and prevent complications related to the disease or medications.
1. Moderate Aerobic Exercise
If you have Crohn’s disease, strenuous, high-impact exercise may tire you. Your doctor may recommend a low-impact aerobic workout. Consider going for a 30-minute walk several times a week. Other low-impact options include cycling, swimming, and water aerobics. A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that walking for about 30 minutes at a moderate pace three times a week helped improve symptoms in people with Crohn’s disease. Participants also noted an overall improvement in their quality of life. Each walk averaged 3.5 kilometres or about 2 miles.
2. Yoga And Tai Chi
Yoga or Tai Chi can be good additions to your workout routine. Both forms of exercise combine carefully controlled movement and breathing techniques. This meditative combination will help you relieve stress. Yoga and Tai Chi can also help burn calories and improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
3. Combined Resistance And Strength Training
Strength training is one of the most effective forms of exercise for body composition in individuals with Crohn's disease. It involves exercises such as planks and lunges alongside equipment like elastic resistance bands when combined with resistance training. These exercises target the key muscle groups in the torso and legs.
It is essential to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program or activity. Make sure your doctor monitors any significant changes to your exercise regimen. After your doctor approves, a professional trainer can help you learn how to perform new activities safely.
Also Read: A Complete Workout Routine For Beginners To Kickstart Fitness!
What Is An Ideal Crohn's Disease Self-Care Routine?
There is no way to prevent Crohn’s disease, yet you can take some appropriate action to reduce your risk of recurrence. Crohn's disease treatment majorly relies on lifestyle changes that may help minimise the effects of Crohn's disease, including-
Pay special attention to your diet | Soft foods are easier to digest, while spicy or high-fibre foods can harm your gastrointestinal tract. Also, limit your intake of dairy products, fatty foods, and foods that cause gas. You can maintain a food diary or a journal to help you track which foods make your symptoms worse. This way, you can keep track of how different types of foods make you feel and how you can actively avoid them. |
Try complementary and alternative therapies | Since Crohn's disease is an ongoing ailment, treatment involves lifestyle changes. These lifestyle changes may include indulging in acupuncture, massage, and tai chi. These may help relieve pain, which can improve overall quality of life. Some may even boost immunity. |
Stress management | Calming exercises like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help prevent relapses. It may also help your illness become less severe. |
Quit smoking | Quitting smoking can help prevent a relapse. It may also minimise the risk of surgery. Since Crohn's disease treatment is completely lifestyle based, quitting smoking may play a considerable role in maintaining it. |
Limit caffeine and alcohol | Both factors can make Crohn’s disease symptoms worse. It is best to monitor for a relapse after consuming caffeine or alcohol. |
Expert’s Advice
Self-care becomes even more critical when you live with a chronic illness like Crohn’s disease. There are many ways to take care of yourself, from establishing a consistent sleep routine to fueling your body with healthy foods to holistic strategies to relax your mind and relieve stress. Necessary treatment and lifestyle changes can help you manage your symptoms, prevent complications, and maintain an active lifestyle.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Remember, a workout for Crohn’s disease is a marathon, not a sprint. Pay attention to what your body tells you, make sure to rest when symptoms get worse, and celebrate your victories, big and small. By incorporating safe exercise routines and self-care practices into your life, you can not only manage symptoms but also reclaim a sense of control and well-being. With dedication and a supportive community, you can live an active and fulfilling life with Crohn's disease.
This blog provides information for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have Crohn's disease or any other health condition.
FAQ’s
1. What is an ideal IBD treatment?
IBD treatment is majorly lifestyle based, which can be:
- Quit smoking
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Preventing stress through meditation, yoga, etc.
- Avoid food that can make your symptoms worse.
2. What is the treatment for mild Crohn's disease?
If you have mild to moderate Crohn’s disease, you can take:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Improve your lifestyle
- Monitor your food choices and how they make you feel. Avoid foods that make the symptoms worse for you.
- Quit smoking and limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
3. What are the Crohn's disease symptoms in females?
Here are some notable Crohn’s disease symptoms in females:
- Fatigue
- Weight Loss
- Cramps in abdomen
- Diarrhoea
4. Which foods to avoid with Crohn's disease?
Avoid these foods if you have Crohn’s disease:
- Fatty foods
- Dairy products
- Coffee and tea
- Chocolates
- Foods high in fibre
References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353304
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/crohns-disease/living-with/
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