Digestive disorders are fairly common and may have a variety of causes. While it is true that your child’s dietary intake plays an important role, ensuring that he maintains a physically active lifestyle will have a positive impact on his digestive health. Getting regular exercise can help your child maintain a healthy body and also helps his digestive system work the way it should.
Reasons to move more
Being physically active can work wonders on your child’s digestive system, for instance:
- Regular exercise stimulates intestinal muscles to contract, thus regulating his bowel movements.
- Help relieve constipation by moving food through his digestive system.
- Better absorb nutrients.
- Feel better while exercising.
- Helps gas pass through the digestivetract quicker.
Maintaining regular physical activity will help prevent obesity, indigestion, and diverticulosis.
What you can do about it
Being physically active can work wonders on your child’s digestive system, for instance:
- Encourage an active lifestyle.
- Discourage extended periods of inactivity e.g. long hours playing computer games or watching TV.
- Limit screen time.
- Get them involved with household chores, sports, and other games.
- Teach them the importance of being physically active.
As parents, it is important to keep two main things in mind:
- Ensure your own lifestyle incorporates physical activity (children tend to follow their parents’ lifestyle)
- Keep a part of your child’s daily schedule free for physical activity such as games, sports, or any form of unstructured play
Timing is important
Be aware that physical exercise can be both beneficial and harmful for the gastrointestinal tract. It plays protective role against colon cancer, diverticular disease, and constipation.
- Avoid heavy exercises after a large meal or it can lead to bloating and constipation.
- Stress also affects digestive health; avoid strenuous exercises during times of stress.
- Avoid stressing your child unnecessarily, e.g. having a schedule that permits no time for rest or relaxation.
One of the factors leading to the higher levels of obesity among children in Malaysia now is a lack of physical activity. Don’t let your child become another statistic in the current trend of obese children.
An educational contribution by Digestive Health Advisory Board.
Comments