Taking care of your digestive system is more important than you think. The digestive system’s function is to break down food, eliminate toxins and absorb nutrients for energy. Thus, if it’s not performing as it’s supposed to, our overall health will be at risk for diseases, bacterial overgrowth, and other illnesses. Exercising regularly can help to move our food through the digestive system and lower inflammation. So, it’s time to incorporate these exercises into your routine!
1. Brisk Walking
While you’re brisk walking, your blood is pumping, and it helps to speed up the process of moving food through the large intestine as the natural contractions of muscles in your intestines will be stimulated. However, don’t put on your walking shoes immediately after a meal! The best time to exercise after a big meal is at least an hour after.
2. Pelvic Floor Exercises
Also known as Kegel exercise, this targets the layer of the muscles at the bottom of your pelvis that includes your bladder and bowel. When your pelvic floor is stronger, they can help to push stool through your colon more easily.
3. Diaphragmatic/Deep Breathing
Different from our normal breathing, deep breathing involves contracting and expanding the diaphragm. This type of breathing can lower the health rate and increase blood oxygenation. Most importantly, it creates a gentle massaging action for the internal organs such as the intestines and stomach, which in turn reduces bloating and constipation.
4. Sit-Ups
There are many more benefits to doing sit-ups besides just getting those abs. This exercise uses the core muscles and abdomen muscles, which will strengthen bowel movement and intestines. It will also help to improve the digestive function such as bloating and constipation.
5. Elevation of the Legs
Also known as the Boat Pose in Yoga, this exercise elevates the diaphragm and relieves stomach and liver pressure by allowing air to flow through the abdomen. As it also involves engaging the core and back muscles, it allows the abdominal area to digest food more easily. This exercise can also be useful in alleviating excessive gas and easing constipation.
6. Body Twisting
There are a couple of body twisting postures that will help to stimulate the abdominals. By compressing and subsequently releasing the colon in this pose, you will stimulate the movement of accumulated toxins trapped in the body.
7. Forward Bend
The movement of bending forward helps to soothe a hyperactive bowel. While you’re at it, focus on relaxing the muscles in your stomach. This exercise is especially effective in improving the digestive system because it will increase the space in the abdomen and facilitate the release of entrapped gases.
8. The Abdominal Twist
This exercise can help expel wastes, move food, and waste along your digestive system, and stimulate waste removal. When you release from your twist, fresh blood will start rushing into your digestive organs, helping to nourish and support them.
Many factors contributed to poor digestion health, and one of them is having a sedentary lifestyle. This is why it is important to incorporate exercise and physical activity to increase the speed of digestion. Fortunately, just a quick workout session a day can result in more lasting relief from symptoms of digestive problems.
Disclaimer: This article is to provide general information and is not a substitute for a professional and qualified medical opinion. You should always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program.