Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity has many benefits to the general population, including:
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Decreased pain
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Increased muscle strength, bone strength, and range of motion
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Increased fitness level
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Less fatigue
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Improved sleep
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Improved balance
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Decreased risk of falls
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Increased self-confidence
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Increased ability to perform daily activities
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Healthier body weight (which means less stress on joints)
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Improved mood and ability to manage stress
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Decreased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke, lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and others
For people with IBD, studies reveal that exercise can counteract some IBD symptoms and complications such as:
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Decreased risk of constipation
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Decreased risk of diverticular disease
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Decreased risk of gallstones
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Decreased risk of colon cancer (and increased survival of cancer patients) with an average risk reduction of 20-25%
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Increased quality of life including positive effects on overall health, perceived stress, physical well-being, increased mood, symptom relief, reduced fatigue
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Anti-inflammatory effects (for low to moderate intensity workouts) by decreasing visceral fat and releasing immune cells like cytokines and myokines
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Immune system improvement
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Increased bone mineral density and protection against osteoporosis
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Reduced muscle weakness
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Protection against obesity (which is associated with more active IBD and requirement for hospitalization and/or surgery)