How a Former MLB Player Keeps His Gut Healthy
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AMAZING: IN SEPTEMBER of 2008, Dexter Fowler, now 37, made his pro-baseball debut. Not amazing: That same year, his ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnosis made its debut, too. While playing, he had to deal with UC’s inflammatory flare-ups, which can bring intense abdominal cramps, fatigue, and an urgent need for the restroom. Through meds and the changes below, he was able to play 14 seasons in the majors. Here’s how:
Own It
Some days, Fowler’s abdominal pain was so severe he could barely play a few innings. To manage his health and his responsibilities to his team, he says, he had to push aside embarrassment and get honest with his teammates. They gave him their full support and respected when he needed a break. “I don’t feel like I’m hiding behind a closed door,” Fowler says.
Plan Ahead
The effects of UC can come on suddenly, so preparation is key. Fowler checks menus to be sure he can avoid foods that trigger inflammation for him, such as broccoli and other cruciferous veggies. And he carries a Restroom Access Card (from crohnsandcolitis.com), which helps him gain entry to private restrooms in an emergency.
Stem Stress
While stress doesn’t cause UC, it can contribute to flare-ups. Stress can change the makeup of the bacteria in your gut, stirring up inflammation and symptoms. Fowler’s first-choice de-stressor is his “happy place”—time with his daughters and wife. Also good: golf. “It gives me the mental break, physical activity, and socialization I need to recharge.”
A version of this article originally appeared in the December 2023 issue of Men's Health.
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