Intuitively the answer might seem obvious, but the findings from two reputable clinical trials are mixed.

Many health professionals assert that regular exercise can help manage gut-health symptoms, especially for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome [IBS]. Some attribute the benefits of exercise to decreasing gastrointestinal blood flow, neuroimmuno-endocrine alternations and increasing gut motility through mechanical bouncing. Others suggest that it is the stress-reducing effects of exercise and the increased feelings of wellbeing that benefit their patients.

A tale of two studies

A randomised trial of 56 clinically diagnosed IBS patients assigned half to a control group (business as usual) and half to an exercise intervention group (Daly et al, 2008). The researchers measured the outcomes using a validated Quality of Life [QOL] tool. After 12 weeks, there were no differences in the QOL scores between the groups. However, the exercise group did report significant improvements in constipation. 

Another reputable study by Johannesson et al (2011) analysed IBS severity scores in 75 patients after being randomly assigned to a physical activity group or a control group. The researchers found a statistically significant difference between the groups and concluded that physical activity does indeed improve GI symptoms. Physically active IBS patients fare better than physically inactive patients.

Listen to your body

Both studies have flaws – are the sample sizes too low, the methodology flawed or is it simply too difficult to isolate ‘exercise’ as a variable? 

Here’s what I know (a sample of 1 x IBS-C). Exercise makes me happy. I’m the happiest runner in the world, because the sheer act of turning up to the start-line is a minor miracle in itself. Last week I (unintentionally) shaved 3 minutes off my 5km time because I was desperate not just to get to the finish line, but to the toilet. Exercise makes me sweat which in turn makes me drink more water which is good for constipation. And walking, regardless of its intensity, duration or mileage, increases my overall wellness as a result of being in nature.

Listen to your body! And to the birds. And be your own experiment.