A stomach ulcer, also known as a peptic ulcer, is an open sore that develops on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. Often caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium or the long-term use of certain pain relievers, this condition creates a raw area susceptible to irritation from stomach acid. While physical activity is beneficial, exercising with an active ulcer requires significant modification and caution. Always consult a physician before starting or changing any fitness regimen to ensure the activity is safe for your current state of healing.
The Mechanism: How Exercise Affects Ulcers
The physical demands of exercise can impact the ulcer site through two primary physiological pathways. Certain strenuous movements drastically increase intra-abdominal pressure. This rise in pressure can force stomach contents and acid against the ulcerated wall, potentially causing significant pain or delaying the healing process.
Intense or prolonged workouts also redirect substantial blood flow away from the digestive tract toward the working muscles. This temporary shunting of blood reduces circulation to the stomach lining, potentially hindering the ulcer’s natural repair mechanisms. Conversely, moderate physical activity may help reduce gastric secretions and promote a healthy immune response. Therefore, the intensity and type of exercise are the key variables to manage for safe activity.
Low-Impact Activities and Safe Movement
Selecting activities that maintain a low heart rate and minimize abdominal strain is the best strategy for staying active while an ulcer heals. Walking is an excellent choice because it keeps the body upright and avoids jarring movements or abdominal compression. Aim for a steady, moderate pace to gain cardiovascular benefit without diverting excessive blood flow from the gastrointestinal system.
Gentle stretching and certain forms of yoga are also well-tolerated, focusing on flexibility rather than strength. Look for non-twisting poses and avoid deep forward bends that put pressure on the stomach area. Light resistance training can be incorporated using very low weights or high-repetition bodyweight exercises, such as wall push-ups or standing leg extensions.
Activities like stationary cycling or swimming offer great aerobic conditioning while maintaining low intra-abdominal pressure, provided the strokes are not overly strenuous. During any exercise, focus on breathing normally and continuously. Deliberately avoid holding your breath, which sharply increases abdominal pressure.
High-Risk Activities to Avoid
Activities that dramatically increase intra-abdominal pressure pose the highest risk for exacerbating ulcer symptoms or causing complications. Heavy weightlifting, particularly compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, should be strictly avoided. The forceful bracing required to lift heavy loads compresses the abdominal cavity, which is detrimental to a healing ulcer.
Intense core work, including crunches, sit-ups, planks, and isometric abdominal holds, is also highly discouraged. These movements directly compress the stomach area and can push acid onto the ulcer site, leading to intense pain and irritation. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and intense, prolonged aerobic activities, such as sprinting or long-distance running, create excessive physical stress. The jarring motion and intense physiological demand of these high-impact exercises can reduce mucosal blood flow. Contact sports or any activity involving sudden, forceful impacts to the abdomen should also be paused completely until the ulcer is fully healed.
Monitoring Symptoms and Seeking Medical Advice
Being attentive to your body’s signals is necessary when exercising with a stomach ulcer. If you experience severe or sharp abdominal pain during a workout, stop the activity immediately. This pain indicates that the exercise is irritating the ulcer and requires rest. Other warning signs that suggest the ulcer is becoming irritated include new or increased nausea or any episode of vomiting.
Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can indicate significant blood loss or a medical emergency:
- The presence of blood in vomit, which may appear red or like dark coffee grounds.
- Stools that appear black or tarry, which is a sign of digested blood from an upper gastrointestinal bleed.
- Unexplained dizziness, lightheadedness, or sudden weakness.
Do not attempt to resume any intense physical activity until you have received clearance from your healthcare provider. Your physician can confirm the ulcer’s healing status and provide guidance on safely reintroducing exercise.