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Published on: 8/28/2001
Last Visited: 8/20/2008
To figure out possible sources, Gary Gitnick, MD, chief of the division of digestive diseases at the University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine, advises that the food journal include when you eat something, how much you eat, where you ate it, if you were doing anything else at the time, and any symptoms you're feeling. (He also suggests recording your mood and emotions at the onset of any digestive symptoms.) Your diary should include everything you put in your mouth, including things like chewing gum, candies, and mints.
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"I think that most doctors would agree that regular exercise helps promote normal intestinal function, which in turn helps pass gas, reduces bloating and cramping, and results in more regular bowel movements," writes Gitnick.
Just remember that certain types of digestive problems may preclude some forms of exercise.For example, Gitnick notes that people who suffer consistently from heartburn should refrain from jarring or high impact exercises.Instead of aerobic dancing, jogging, or the step machine at the gym, Gitnick suggests walking or swimming as an alternative.
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Gary Gitnick, M.D., with Karen Cooksey, Freedom from Digestive Distress, Three Rivers Press, New York, 2000.