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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/18/2009 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
Could it be possible, that weight training could cause UC symptoms? Each time I get back into training after finally getting up to speed again, I get stomach cramps, or just have twinges, which make me think I'm on the verge of a flare, you know?

I only started last week, and just the past couple days I've felt abit 'iffy'.. could this be something that triggers it?

I've got a review on wednesday with my GP, I'll put the question forward and see what he says.

Its just a thought thats been at the back of my mind constantly since I went back!

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks
Posted 5/18/2009 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
Oh how I wish I could exercise! I am usually an exerciser and haven't really been able to do too much (went on 2 treadmill runs) this past 4 weeks because of UC.

I am not a weight trainer, but I know when I try to go for a run, no matter how good I am feeling that day, I get cramps and that "urgency" So much that I really want to do it but get too anxious to even try the past week or so! :(

Jen
Posted 5/18/2009 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Exercise increases one's immune system and stress levels, and depending on how hard one exercises, some exercises may trigger the autoimmune response.

i think if you take it slowly, more relaxed, the body will realise that exercise isn't a threat.

My take on it, anyway....and yes, many on here do exercise, but there are many who do come and relay the experience of hard exercise and UC symptonms.

Anyone can adjust an exercise routine to cause less stress on the body.

quincy
Posted 5/18/2009 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Tommy, most docs (if not all) will encourage exersice, but you may have to modify it depending on how bad your flare is and anyone (even those that do not have IBD) should always pace themselves and work up gradually. Exercise is known to aid with healthy bowel function so it's pretty important to incorporate it into your life.

:)
Posted 5/18/2009 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
With that said, by the word modify, do you mean alternate exercise - cadiovascular rather than weight training?
Posted 5/18/2009 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Modify as in when flaring you shouldn't have to cut anything out of your program just use less intensity, I would still do both cardio and weight training (as I do) but when my flare gets more intense then I adjust my workout routine and not push as hard as I normally would, this works well for me cuz some exercise is always better than none at all.

:)
Posted 5/18/2009 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
I kept up with weight training, even when flaring, to try to keep my weight up and to prevent bone loss. It was never a problem for me. You may have to modify the intensity if you're flaring. I'm curious: does your diet change when you're training? Are you taking a protein supplement, meal replacement or anything else that you don't normally consume? If so, that could actually be your problem.
Posted 5/18/2009 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
When I was flaring, I couldn't exercise at all. Once my symptoms started subsiding, I got back to it but had to do it gradually. If I did too much one day, I definitely felt worse, UC-wise, the next day. After a couple of months, I am almost back to my pre-UC levels of exercise, but am still always careful not to do too much.
Posted 5/19/2009 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
I used to do a lot of weight training with free weights... I would take various protien suppliments and Creatine... My UC flared badly....so I no longer work out like that.... I still ride my ATV and keep active when I can but lately I have been too tired for that even...
Posted 5/19/2009 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
You might want to check more into creatine safety. I could be wrong, but I think the safety has been questioned recently. You know they took those hydroxycut stuff off the market. Anyway, I swim and it doesn't bother me. Cold water will give me slight cramps though, but generally swimming is fine for me.
Posted 5/19/2009 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Yup, just a little too much creatine will cause D, so be cautious if using it.

:)
Posted 5/19/2009 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
On the other hand, l-glutamine is a helpful supplement for building and/or preserving muscle mass that is also a healing supplement for the gut. Two birds with one stone.
Posted 5/19/2009 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
I started lifting and playing basketball again and i'm mildly flaring and havent seen any increase in symptoms due to the exercise at all. I've been working out hard too. Basketball once a week and I am feeling more in basketball shape each time i play. Total body weight training just to get started again and I only give my self like 1 or 2 minutes at the most in between reps so I would say it's pretty intense.
Posted 5/19/2009 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
My main issue with exercise and flaring is that I run out of breathe easily due to all the blood I've lost. It takes about six months for my energy level to return to normal after a flare.
Posted 5/19/2009 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
I exercise pretty hard and don't think it affects my UC. What definitely does is any sort of protein drink, and I think my brief trial with creatine may have provoked a mini flare.
Posted 5/20/2009 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
it seems like every time i work myself into excellent shape in the gym and get my metabolism cooking, lose weight, gain strength etc it's not long before my UC will become irritated. i almost feel like my UC would be happier if i was an out of shape sedentary person. it's really hard to link one thing to another for me though, who knows what the causes of irritation really are.
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