What effect does exercise, or lack of exercise, have on digestion, and how far are we justified in expending time and energy in gymnastic exercises for the prevention or cure of digestive ills? It is very unlikely that body contortions have any direct action on the abdominal organs. The bony framework and the abdominal muscles are such that stomach and intestines are protected from direct pressure from without, except for some slight general pressure or squeezing that certain motions may cause. This is usually taken up by the compressible cushion of gas with which the tube is always amply provided.
General exercises in the open air are of considerable help to many who suffer from indigestion. In the first place, appetite is thus
stimulated and this is quickly reflected in an increased secretion of digestive juice. Then an improved oxidation of the food elements in the blood results. This accelerates most of the body functions and improves tone throughout the body.
Exercise also hasten the excretion of fatigue products through the lungs, skin, and kidneys. There is no question but that the bowel function is also improved in many cases by a moderate amount of exercise, perhaps through the larger food intake that comes with the improved appetite, rather than any specific effect the exercises have on the bowels.
When such exercises cannot be taken in the open, in the form of games and athletic activities, work in a gymnasium, if it can be made interesting, may be substituted, but here there is great danger for the neurasthenic. He will meet many of his own kind at the gymnasium and from them he may learn of symptoms that he has not already tried out. If exercises are not indicated in his case for the correction of some body defect, the fact that he is doing something for symptoms that have no basis outside of his nervous system will only fix his attention more firmly on himself and his symptoms. The same amount of time, spent in some productive occupation in which he is made to do something for others, will help him infinitely more.
In cases in which the carriage or body posture is wrong, corrective exercises are essential. These should be supervised by a competent teacher. Haphazard calisthenics may only increase the deformity. Some such patients may require rest more than exercise. Well planned abdominal exercises and increased nutrition through sensible eating and rest after meals are perhaps better methods and more lasting in their effect.