I have been diagnosed with IBS about 6 years ago and I am intolerant to a lot of foods. I recently started swimming regularly (3 times/week) and saw big improvement in all my symptoms. Any idea why?
Is it only psycosomatic? Thanks x
2006-12-12 21:47:39 · 3 answers · asked by Jesus is my Savior 7 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Sorry, IBS = irritable bowel syndrome
Nobody really knows what that is, but GPs tend to diagnose it when they haven't got a clue what's wrong with you!
2006-12-12 21:59:19 · update #1
I didn't intend to insult neither the patients or the doctors. But it is frustrating to see that doctors talk about a syndrome they don't really know about. For example, I noticed my symptoms get worse just before my period, I asked my GP and she said that was new to her. But later I found publications supporting my observations....
I have changed about 3-4 doctors, before you ask! One gastroenterologist here suggested psycotherapie and / or hypnosis....
Could be interesting, but would it help??
2006-12-13 01:10:13 · update #2
Hi Nancy
thanks for the thought!
Yes, I know I am not celiac and that I am intolerant to lactose and a lot of other things (long list...). The problem is that it is almost impossible to avoid all these foods as some are hidden (like spices, E-numbers, etc) so inevitably sometimes the symptoms pop up again. This list tends to grow every fem months, too!
I know I have to avoid these items of food, my question was related to why is swimming helpful, as physiologically i couldn't make a link.
Thanks for your help, anyway!
2006-12-13 17:46:36 · update #3
IBS can be stress related, so any form of exercise will create endorphins in the body which relieves stress. Doctors do not just make a decision on a willy-nilly basis about this condition, as per one of your replies. It is identified by what is known as "exclusion tests", i.e. tests for other digestive tract disorders are carried out, and if these tests do not prove positive to any other disorder, it is assumed that the patient has IBS. I know, Iam such a patient. No, your findings are not psychosomatic, and neither is IBS. Good luck. Keep swimming, it will have many benefits.
2006-12-13 00:11:54 · answer #1 · answered by ivywalls 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They're starting to recommend that people with IBS, or IBS-like symptoms be tested for celiac disease, which is an intolerance to gluten (wheat, rye, barley and oats). A lot of people with celiac were misdiagnosed as having IBS for years. (18 years for me). It takes an average of 11 years for a person with celiac to be diagnosed.
Here's a webpage by the National Institutes of Health on celiac -
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases...
If that starts sounding familiar here are a couple of message boards for people with celiac and other gluten intolerances.
http://www.glutenfreeforum.com
http://www.celiacforums.com
You can also be intolerant to other common foods and get the symptoms you are describing. Soy, corn, eggs, yeast, dairy, etc. You may want to think about keeping a food/symptoms journal and see if you can identify the culprit(s).
Nancy
2006-12-13 16:22:06 · answer #2 · answered by Nancy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exercise is often recommended for IBS, because it improves muscle tone and can help to reduce levels of stress hormones which make IBS worse and aggravate the cramping. Swimming might be particularly good, as it is good for strengthening the abdominal muscles, and gives good support to this area.
2006-12-12 22:02:07 · answer #3 · answered by rainy-h 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not psychosomatic. Water helps to relax your bones, muscles, and you in general. It is used in most therapies. Some diseases require certain water temps. Fms/cfs needs water temp to be 90 while arthritis is usually around 80. Make sure the temp. is made for you. Swim and swim.
2006-12-12 22:00:29 · answer #4 · answered by grannywinkie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exercise increases your metabolism. That might be why your not being as effected by certain foods.
I have IBS also. Exercise does the same thing to me.
2006-12-12 21:55:46 · answer #5 · answered by drummerzac1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not knowing wot IBS stands for gives me the IPS .. ;)
2006-12-12 21:54:11 · answer #6 · answered by Moonlite gambler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not psycosomatic. yeah, there's no clue for IBS.
But, excercise is always good for health and prevent every disease and also make you have a good relaxing.It's good for your mind too. Keep going.
2006-12-12 22:03:54 · answer #7 · answered by mew 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
swimming is good for your fitness and a good level of fitness is good for your immune system.
so its just your natural defences working at full speed.
2006-12-12 21:57:03 · answer #8 · answered by DEMON 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋