Lifting and Ulcerative Colitis...

Once in remission, can lifting heavy weights (whether constant weight training or on the job) cause a flare-up?

I have spoken to a few specialists that say it doesn't but it is always best to ask those who suffer from the "disease" because we have to stick together. Personally I do not see how it can since relapse is mainly due to a dietary factor along with stress (e.g. lack of sleep) but as my doctor pointed out UC is like asthma in your large intestines but instead of air pollutants causing the irritation it is rather food components and just like asthma it can be very serious or very mild but regardless you can always take care of it.

This question is very important since my first flare-up (which was not diagnosed at the timeit had occurred) was followed by my first period of remission through which I continued a heavy lifting routine at work, home, and the gym. My second (more intense) flare-up was caused by a drinking binge (I'm in college and I didn't know at the time lol), too much dairy (5 glasses a day to be specific), and an awful lot of fried/spicy foods along with a lack of sleep.

I guess all I'm looking for is reassurance since I'm a personal trainer that is hoping to become a firefighter so this is quite life altering if I could never bulk again... any input is very, very appreciated.

G'luck to you all!

The only limits we have are the ones that we set for ourselves. My GI doc encouraged working out as a way of stress relief but also because it can off set weight gain and bone degradeation from prednisone. I have no plans on stopping my current workout regime.

Agree with Apetro... weight training is excellent for regaining or maintaining healthy weight and combating possible bone loss from steroid use. I started training while flaring and had no problems with it. If you keep a weight training program going, you shouldn't have any issues with other lifting and you'll know how to lift safely and what your physical limitations are.

I agree that training with weights is a great workout and an excellent way to build up muscle mass and retain bone density, but since getting diagnosed whenever I lift heavy my symptoms worsen, so I'm sticking with lighter weights, more reps.

My advice would be to learn to listen to what your body is telling you.  If you can tell you really need rest, or that you're pushing yourself too hard, then listen and take it easy.  If you are feeling great, well then, why not continue what's making you feel great?

beartooth said...
When I've got the extra energy to lift I really have to watch which exercises I do. A lot of times I end up farting when exerting myself, and that can be a little embarassing since my gas stinks to high heaven.

Even non-IBDers occasionally have that problem... particularly on very heavy squats!

I do a lot of cardio and weights and feel great. During a flare up if you feel weak, then just reduce the intensity. Enjoy cause exercise is never bad .

It's a known healing well forum bug, with no plans of fixing it, according to the site owner. Total weirdness..

OK your causing me to write my first post.....

Cardio and dumbbell training work for me. I wish I could lift heavy but my little heart tweeks and bad back limit what I can do. Unfortunately I can only run on an elliptical and make the most of isolating muscles with a dumbbell workout that doesn't aggravate my back.

One warning though...I've found that I have to be careful with protein. Both UC and a high protein diet make you more likely to get kidney stones. Make sure you get plenty of water, adding a little extra citric acid to your water may help (a lemon). I've heard that drinking Crystal light lemonade is a good way to avoid kidney stones too but not sure how good it is for us UCer's (artificial sweetener's and all).

Best regards,
Jerry

Working out is definitely something that should help with your overall health. Having said that you have to make sure you're are giving your body adequate time to heal. Back to back days of heavy lifting could give you problems. I have a hard time knowing when to back off myself. Over doing it is a type of stress on your body.