Diverticulitis is a gastrointestinal condition involving the inflammation or infection of small, bulging pouches, called diverticula, that develop in the wall of the large intestine. These pouches form when pressure within the colon causes weak spots to protrude. While exercise benefits colon health, the timing and type of physical activity must be carefully managed to avoid complications, especially during active flares.
Activity During Acute Diverticulitis
During an acute flare-up, characterized by symptoms like severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, or bleeding, physical activity should be paused immediately. Movement can increase the risk of complications like perforation or abscess formation.
Light movement, such as gentle walking, may be permissible if it does not cause pain or discomfort and is cleared by a physician. However, any strenuous activity or exercise that causes jarring motions must be avoided while inflammation is present. Resuming a regular exercise routine should only occur after symptoms have fully subsided and medical clearance is received.
Safe Exercise Practices During Remission
Once acute symptoms have resolved, regular, moderate exercise becomes an important tool for long-term management. Low-impact activities are generally the safest and most recommended forms of movement, as they reduce strain on the abdominal region while promoting digestive function.
Walking is an excellent choice, as it is easily modifiable and does not create jarring forces on the body. Gentle cycling, whether outdoors or on a stationary bike, provides aerobic benefits with minimal impact. Swimming or water aerobics are particularly beneficial because the buoyancy of the water supports the body, making the activity gentle on the joints and abdomen.
Restorative yoga and gentle stretching can also be incorporated to improve flexibility and reduce stress. When starting or returning to an exercise routine, progression should be gradual, beginning with short durations and low intensity. Increasing activity slowly helps prevent symptom recurrence.
High-Risk Activities That Increase Abdominal Strain
Certain exercises should be avoided entirely, even during symptom-free periods, due to the high intra-abdominal pressure they generate. This increased pressure can stress the colon wall where the diverticula are located. Movements that significantly engage the core muscles against heavy resistance fall into this category.
Heavy weightlifting, including exercises like deadlifts, squats, and overhead presses, requires bracing the core, which dramatically raises abdominal pressure. Intense core-specific exercises, such as full sit-ups, crunches, and advanced planks, also place considerable strain on the abdominal cavity. While building core strength is beneficial, it should be done using gentle, controlled movements that do not involve straining.
High-impact activities that involve repetitive jarring, such as long-distance running, intense jumping, or plyometrics, may also increase abdominal discomfort. The goal is to choose activities that maintain fitness without creating mechanical stress on the colon.
How Exercise Supports Colon Function
Consistent physical activity is protective against developing diverticulitis and helps manage the condition during remission. Regular exercise improves intestinal motility, which is the movement of contents through the digestive tract. This enhancement of peristalsis reduces the transit time of waste in the colon.
When waste moves more quickly, it decreases the internal pressure that contributes to the formation of diverticula. Exercise also contributes to weight management, which is associated with a lower risk of diverticulitis and its complications. Furthermore, physical activity reduces systemic inflammation throughout the body.
These anti-inflammatory effects benefit the digestive tract by creating a healthier environment. By promoting regular bowel movements and reducing stagnation, exercise helps minimize the chance of material getting trapped and causing irritation in the diverticula. Experts recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week to support long-term colon health.