Spring break is here and swim suit season is upon us. We all want to feel confident in our own skin as we slip into our swim suit. Feeling bloated or gassy is that last thing we want to worry about. Promoting a happy gut with healthy food choices and regular exercise can prevent these unwanted feelings.

According to the American Cancer Society, maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity and healthy food choices are powerful factors you can control to help promote a healthy gut and even prevent cancer. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month; with that in mind here are a few ways regular participation in exercise can promote cancer prevention and a happy gut:

  1. Do it daily. Participating in 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day will help maintain a healthy weight.
  2. Shake it up. Enjoy a variety of fitness activities. Yoga, stretching and aerobic exercise (i.e. walking, running, dancing, swimming) may provide relief from bloating and constipation.
  3. Jump on it. Jumping rope or on a trampoline improves circulation and blood flow which can assist in better bowel health. Not to mention, jumping is a calorie-blasting workout!
  4. It’s all about your core. Strengthening your abdominal muscles can help improve the efficiency of our digestive system.

By making small changes each day we can improve our gut health and feel confident in our own skin! According to the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation, research suggests that up to 35 percent of cancers are related to poor diet. By simply choosing to modify what you eat and include regular physical activity, you have the power to reduce your risk of cancer and other health problems.