How often should you have a bowel movement. What does the color of your stool indicate. Is your poop size and shape normal. What can your bowel habits tell you about your overall health.

The Importance of Understanding Your Bowel Movements

While discussing bowel movements may seem taboo, understanding your poop can provide valuable insights into your overall health. Regular bowel movements are a crucial indicator of digestive health, hydration levels, and dietary habits. By paying attention to the characteristics of your stool, you can gain important information about your body’s functioning and potentially identify early signs of health issues.

Frequency of Bowel Movements: What’s Considered Normal?

Is there an ideal frequency for bowel movements? The truth is, what’s normal can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may have bowel movements multiple times a day, while others may go only a few times a week. Generally, a healthy range is considered to be anywhere from three times a day to three times a week.

Factors influencing bowel movement frequency include:

• Diet
• Hydration levels
• Physical activity
• Stress levels
• Medications
• Age

If you experience a sudden change in your bowel movement frequency that persists for more than a few days, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional.

The Bristol Stool Chart: A Guide to Poop Consistency

The Bristol Stool Chart is a medical tool used to classify the form of human feces into seven categories. This chart can help you understand what your stool consistency might indicate about your digestive health.

The Seven Types of Stool:

1. Type 1: Separate hard lumps (severe constipation)
2. Type 2: Lumpy and sausage-like (mild constipation)
3. Type 3: Sausage-shaped with cracks on the surface (normal)
4. Type 4: Smooth, soft sausage or snake-like (ideal)
5. Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (lacking fiber)
6. Type 6: Mushy consistency with ragged edges (mild diarrhea)
7. Type 7: Entirely liquid (severe diarrhea)

Ideally, your stool should resemble Types 3 or 4 on the Bristol Stool Chart. These types indicate a well-formed stool that’s easy to pass, suggesting good digestive health.

Decoding Stool Color: What Different Hues Might Mean

The color of your stool can provide valuable information about your digestive health and overall well-being. While variations in stool color are often harmless and related to diet, certain colors may indicate underlying health issues.

Brown: The Ideal Hue

Brown is the most common and healthiest stool color. It results from the breakdown of red blood cells and the presence of bile in your digestive system. Shades can range from light tan to dark brown, all of which are considered normal.

Green: Not Always a Cause for Concern

Green stools are often harmless and can result from consuming leafy green vegetables, green food coloring, or iron supplements. However, it may also indicate that food is moving through your digestive system too quickly, not allowing enough time for bile to break down completely.

Yellow: Potential Digestive Issues

Yellow, greasy, and foul-smelling stools may suggest excess fat in the stool, potentially indicating malabsorption issues. This could be due to celiac disease, pancreatic problems, or other digestive disorders.

Black: Possible Upper GI Bleeding

Black stools can be caused by certain foods or medications, such as iron supplements or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). However, they may also indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which requires immediate medical attention.

Red: Lower GI Bleeding or Dietary Factors

Bright red stools can be alarming but are often due to harmless causes like consuming red-colored foods (beets, cranberries, or red food coloring). However, they may also indicate bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, which should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Pale or Clay-Colored: Potential Liver or Gallbladder Issues

Light-colored or clay-like stools may suggest a lack of bile in the stool, potentially indicating liver or gallbladder problems. This color change warrants a medical consultation.

Size and Shape: What’s Considered Healthy?

The size and shape of your stool can provide insights into your digestive health and overall well-being. A healthy stool typically resembles a smooth, soft sausage or snake, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter and 4 to 8 inches long.

Ideal Stool Characteristics:

• Smooth surface
• Soft consistency
• Easy to pass without straining
• Sinks slowly in the toilet bowl

Stools that are exceptionally large, small, or irregularly shaped may indicate digestive issues or dietary imbalances. Consistently passing small, hard pellets could suggest constipation, while loose, watery stools might indicate diarrhea or other digestive problems.

The Role of Fiber in Healthy Bowel Movements

Fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bowel movements and overall digestive health. There are two main types of fiber: soluble and insoluble, both of which contribute to proper digestion in different ways.

Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. This type of fiber helps:

• Slow digestion, promoting feelings of fullness
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Regulate blood sugar levels

Sources of soluble fiber include oats, beans, lentils, apples, and citrus fruits.

Insoluble Fiber

Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water and passes through the digestive system largely intact. This type of fiber:

• Adds bulk to stool
• Helps food move through the digestive tract more quickly
• Promotes regular bowel movements

Sources of insoluble fiber include whole grains, nuts, seeds, and the skins of fruits and vegetables.

Aim for a daily fiber intake of 25 to 30 grams from a variety of sources to promote healthy bowel movements and overall digestive health.

Hydration and Its Impact on Bowel Health

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy bowel movements and overall digestive function. Water plays a crucial role in softening stool and facilitating its passage through the intestines.

How Water Affects Digestion:

• Softens stool, making it easier to pass
• Helps dissolve nutrients for better absorption
• Supports the mucus lining in the intestines
• Aids in the prevention of constipation

The amount of water needed varies from person to person, but a general guideline is to drink at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day. However, factors such as climate, physical activity, and overall health may necessitate higher fluid intake.

Signs of Dehydration in Stool:

• Hard, dry, and difficult-to-pass stools
• Infrequent bowel movements
• Dark-colored urine

If you notice these signs, increasing your water intake can help improve your bowel health and overall digestion.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bowel Issues

While occasional changes in bowel movements are normal, certain symptoms may indicate underlying health issues that require medical attention. It’s important to be aware of these signs and consult a healthcare professional when necessary.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks
• Blood in the stool (bright red or black and tarry)
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Frequent nausea or vomiting

These symptoms could be indicative of various conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, or other digestive disorders. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing these conditions effectively.

Preparing for Your Doctor’s Visit

If you decide to consult a healthcare professional about your bowel movements, consider the following steps to make the most of your appointment:

1. Keep a bowel movement diary for a few weeks, noting frequency, consistency, and any unusual symptoms
2. Be prepared to discuss your diet, medications, and any recent lifestyle changes
3. Don’t be embarrassed to provide detailed information – healthcare professionals are accustomed to discussing these topics
4. Consider using the Bristol Stool Chart to describe your stool consistency accurately

Remember, open communication with your healthcare provider is key to addressing any concerns and maintaining optimal digestive health.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Bowel Health

Various lifestyle factors can significantly impact your bowel health and overall digestive function. By making conscious choices and adopting healthy habits, you can promote regular, comfortable bowel movements and support your digestive system.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is essential for maintaining healthy bowel movements. Consider the following dietary tips:

• Incorporate a variety of fiber sources into your meals
• Limit processed foods and excessive sugar intake
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Be mindful of foods that may trigger digestive issues for you personally

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can help stimulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Activities that can benefit bowel health include:

• Brisk walking
• Jogging
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Yoga

Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact digestive function and lead to irregular bowel movements. Incorporate stress-reducing techniques into your daily routine, such as:

• Meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Regular sleep patterns
• Engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy

Toilet Habits

Developing healthy toilet habits can contribute to better bowel health. Consider the following tips:

• Respond promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement
• Allow sufficient time for bathroom visits without rushing
• Use a squatting position or a toilet stool to align your body for easier bowel movements
• Avoid straining or spending excessive time on the toilet

By incorporating these lifestyle factors into your daily routine, you can support your digestive system and promote healthier bowel movements.

The Gut-Brain Connection: How Mental Health Affects Digestion

The relationship between your gut and brain, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in digestive health and overall well-being. This bidirectional communication system means that your mental state can affect your digestive function, and vice versa.

How Stress Impacts Digestion

Stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues can have a significant impact on your digestive system. Some ways in which stress affects digestion include:

• Altering gut motility, potentially leading to constipation or diarrhea
• Increasing inflammation in the digestive tract
• Affecting the balance of gut bacteria
• Exacerbating symptoms of existing digestive disorders

The Role of Gut Bacteria in Mental Health

Emerging research suggests that the trillions of bacteria living in your gut, collectively known as the gut microbiome, may influence mental health. The gut microbiome has been linked to:

• Production of neurotransmitters like serotonin
• Regulation of stress responses
• Potential impacts on mood and behavior

Strategies for Supporting Gut-Brain Health

To promote a healthy gut-brain connection and support both digestive and mental health, consider the following strategies:

1. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises
2. Incorporate probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your diet
3. Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fiber and diverse plant-based foods
4. Prioritize quality sleep and establish a consistent sleep schedule
5. Engage in regular physical activity
6. Consider seeking professional help for managing chronic stress or mental health concerns

By nurturing the connection between your gut and brain, you can support both your digestive health and overall well-being.

The Impact of Medications on Bowel Movements

Many medications can affect your digestive system and bowel movements, either as intended effects or side effects. Understanding how different medications might impact your digestive health can help you better manage your overall well-being and communicate effectively with your healthcare provider.

Common Medications That Affect Bowel Movements

• Antidepressants: May cause constipation or diarrhea
• Iron supplements: Often lead to constipation and dark stools
• Antibiotics: Can disrupt gut bacteria, potentially causing diarrhea
• Opioid pain medications: Frequently cause constipation
• Antacids containing calcium or aluminum: May lead to constipation
• Diuretics: Can cause diarrhea and electrolyte imbalances
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): May irritate the stomach lining and cause digestive issues

Managing Medication-Related Bowel Changes

If you’re experiencing changes in your bowel movements due to medications, consider these strategies:

What your poop says about your health

Everybody poops, but nobody really talks about it. But while putting a lid on all potty talk may keep conversations civilized, it may mean we’re missing out on valuable clues to our health.

Your poop can tell you if you’re eating enough fiber and drinking enough water, or if your digestive system is processing food too slowly or too quickly. Also, lasting changes in your bowel habits or the appearance of your poop can be a sign of a medical condition that requires treatment.

Read on to learn what your poop can tell you, how you can easily describe it and why it’s good to talk about it. Just hold off on sharing the details of your latest bowel movement until after dinner. There should be some limits, after all.

Poop health 101: What’s normal?

After you go to the bathroom, turn around and take a look. Based on what you see, do you wonder: Is my poop normal? Do I have healthy poop?

From the earliest diapering and potty-training days to every age and stage that comes after, it’s important to be aware.

Turns out there’s a lot of variety in what’s normal. Just as everyone poops, everyone’s poop is different. And your poops may not be exactly the same every day. However, there are some general characteristics of “normal poop”.

Poop size

A normal stool size is at least a couple inches in length, and ideally between four and eight inches. Tiny poops aren’t good. You shouldn’t be pooping out pellets – not unless you’re a bunny, deer or other wild animal.

Poop shape

People use a lot of different expressions when they talk about having a bowel movement. But in terms of accuracy, the ones comparing poop to logs are probably the closest.

The healthiest shape for poop is a long cylinder. When poop takes on other shapes, it may indicate something could be going on with your digestive system.

Poop firmness or consistency

Ideally, your stool should be somewhere between firm and soft. Thankfully you can figure this out just by looking at it – there’s no need to do a touch test. If your poop is a well-formed log and it wasn’t too hard to squeeze out, it’s probably the right consistency.

Poop color

What’s a normal stool color? Normal poop is brown and comes in every color from tan to espresso. The brown color is largely due to bile and bilirubin.

Bile is a yellowish-green fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bilirubin is an orange-yellow substance that the body makes through the normal process of breaking down red blood cells. Through the digestive process, these fluids mix with your foods and usually make your poop brown.

Other poop color meanings

The color of your poop generally reflects what you consume – whether that’s food, beverages or medicines. While brown is the most typical color, there are other colors we may see in the toilet. Here’s what the color of your poop might mean about your health:

Black poop: There are a few reasons why your poop may be black, including taking iron supplements or a bismuth medication like Pepto Bismol. But black stool can also mean that you have bleeding in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Any internal bleeding is an issue, so if you can’t figure out why your poop is black, make a primary care appointment right away.

Green poop: If your poop is a little greenish, it’s totally fine. Green poop may signal that your food isn’t spending enough time in your digestive system or that you’re eating a ton of leafy greens like spinach. And if your poop suddenly looks like neon green playdough, the likely cause is artificial colors from drink mixes, bakery frosting or frozen novelties.

Red poop: There are dietary reasons why your poop may turn red – beets, cranberries, red gelatin or tomato juice. But red poop can be a cause for concern because it may mean you have bleeding in your colon – this can be a sign of colon cancer or digestive disorders. Bloody stool may look coated in red, or you may notice spots of red in it. If you can’t explain the red color by your food choices, get in touch with a primary care doctor.

Yellow poop: If your poop is yellow, greasy and stinky, it probably means that you’ve been eating too much fat. But sometimes it can be a sign of malabsorption, which means that your body isn’t able to pull nutrients from food during digestion. Malabsorption usually happens due to sickness, food intolerance or diseases that affect the intestinal lining.

Pale or white poop: Chalky is not a good look on poop. It may mean your body isn’t producing bile. It could be that you have an infection or that your bile duct is blocked. Pale poop could also be a side effect of medicines, including some used for diarrhea.

Timing of bowel movements

The most normal time to poop is in the morning after your body worked overnight processing your food. But there’s nothing wrong with having bowel movements at other times of the day.

How long it takes you to poop

It should take just a couple minutes for you to have a bowel movement – certainly not more than 10-15 minutes. If there’s pain or straining to get your poop out, you’re probably constipated.

How often should you poop

You don’t need to poop every day to be regular. It’s normal and healthy to have a bowel movement anywhere between three times a week to three times a day. If you’re producing soft, well-formed logs that aren’t hard to push out, your bowels are probably in good shape.

Poop smell

Poop never smells like a bouquet of roses. So if your poop stinks, you’re in good company. But if the smell of your poop makes your eyes water, that’s not normal. Most likely it’s due to an infection or a stomach bug, and your stinky poop will go away after you get better.

But in some cases, foul-smelling feces happens when your body is unable to process gluten or other nutrients. If you notice that your poop smells really bad after you eat certain things, bring it up to your doctor – especially if you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss, too.

Should poop sink or float?

Most poop sinks. But if your poop floats, it’s typically not something to worry about. Floaters are often caused by excess gas from eating things like beans or sugar-free candies. But if you have floating stools that are also stinky, it can be a sign your body isn’t processing food correctly because you have an infection, food intolerance, a digestive disorder or other medical condition.

The Bristol stool chart: Types of poop and what they mean

If you’re having pooping problems, you’re probably not thrilled at the idea of describing your bowel movements in detail when you visit the doctor. The good news is that you may not have to.

There’s a handy poop health chart that doctors often use to describe the type of bowel movements people have. The Bristol stool chart categorizes the shape and texture of bowel movements into seven types.

Chances are you’ll experience all these poop types at one time or another. But if you continue to have unhealthy poop types like constipation or diarrhea, you should talk to your doctor.

Type 1

Shape and consistency: Type 1 looks like smallish, roundish pellets that are surprisingly hard to squeeze out – especially for their size. They typically look like marbles, nuts or berries.

What it means: If your poop is coming out in small balls, it means you’re constipated, and your stool might have been hanging around in your digestive system for a couple extra days. Normally it takes about three days for food to complete the journey through your digestive system.

Constipation is usually caused by diet or lack of exercise. Other causes are a blockage in the digestive system and conditions that affect hormones such as pregnancy or diabetes. It’s normal to be constipated occasionally, but if you’re always blocked up, it’s not good for your health. Find out what causes constipation and how to get relief.

Type 2

Shape and consistency: Congrats! It’s a log – just not the healthiest kind. Type 2 poop looks like a lumpy log. You can tell it’s type 2 if it’s a log that took a bit of effort to get out.

What it means: If your number two is type 2, you probably have mild constipation. As with type 1, common causes can be diet, blockage and hormonal changes.

Type 3

Shape and consistency: Type 3 has a sausage shape with cracks on the surface. It can look a little bumpy like a cob of corn. This type of bowel movement should slide out quickly with little effort. When you flush it down it shouldn’t fall apart.

What it means: Hooray! Your poop is normal, and your digestive system is working the way it should.

Type 4

Shape and consistency: If you’re seeing a log that has a smooth surface like a sausage or a snake, then you have type 4 stool. This type is also easy to push out and should flush down in one piece.

What it means: Way to go! This shape is also normal. Whatever you’re doing, keep it up.

Type 5

Shape and consistency: Type 5 stools are soft blobs with defined edges. They are smallish like type 1 but easy to push out.

What it means: Your diet may not have enough soluble fiber and your food was pushed through your digestive system too quickly.

Type 6

Shape and consistency: With type 6, you’ll see mushy blobs with ragged edges. These stools can look a little like porridge.

What it means: You have mild diarrhea. This could be related to diet, illness or a medical condition. If you have chronic diarrhea, even a mild version, it can be difficult for you to get the nutrients you need from your food.

Type 7

Shape and consistency: Type 7 is pure liquid with no solid pieces – like gravy.

What it means: You’ve got diarrhea. It can be caused by a variety of things, such as food poisoning or an illness like norovirus. But it can also be caused by medical conditions or food intolerances to things like gluten or lactose.

Keep yourself (and your poop) healthy

Healthy poop – and a healthy you – depends on many factors, including diet, exercise, overall health, medications and stress. But lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can go a long way toward producing perfect poo time after time.

Include colon-healthy foods in a diet that’s heavy on the fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eating a rainbow of foods can help your body get the widest array of vitamins and minerals for the best colon health. Plus, eating whole foods makes it easier to get the fiber you need to move things along.

Drink plenty of water

Water helps break down food during digestion, allowing your body to pull out all the helpful nutrients. If you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough fluids to make your poop the right consistency, causing constipation. To stay hydrated, make sure you drink regularly throughout the day, especially when you’re thirsty.

Eat on a schedule

Eating on a schedule may help keep digestion on track – and give your body time to process your food between meals. Try to eat breakfast within one hour of waking and lunch 4 to 5 hours after breakfast. For best digestion, don’t eat dinner within three hours of bedtime. And since it takes 3 to 4 hours for your digestive system to fully digest food, adding a mid-morning and an afternoon snack can keep digestion moving between mealtimes.

Get regular exercise

Getting your body moving is a great way to keep digestion moving, decreasing the time that food spends in your colon and helping with constipation. And it doesn’t take a lot of activity to support poop health. Even walking around 10 to 15 minutes a day may do the trick. Stretching and yoga can help, too.

Current colorectal cancer screening guidelines recommend you get screened beginning at age 45, or sooner if you have certain risk factors. There are different screening options available, including a colonoscopy and the FIT test, which is a poop test you can do at home. The starting age for colorectal cancer screening recently changed, so check with your insurance company to see what’s covered.

When to give your doctor the scoop about your poop

Sometimes a bad bathroom experience is just the result of a bad burrito. Sometimes constipation is caused by too much cheese. These things happen – even to the best of digestive systems.

But there are times when your symptoms may indicate a bigger problem, and you should talk to a doctor. So, watch out for changes in your bowel habits that last longer than a few days, including:

• Recurrent constipation
• Recurrent diarrhea
• Severe abdominal pain and indigestion
• Poop that is always very stinky and often floats
• Unintentional weight loss
• Red stools or black stools that cannot be explained by your diet. These poop colors may signal that you have bleeding in your digestive system, something that can be a symptom of a more serious condition. So, don’t put off making an appointment.

When you meet with the doctor, they’re going to want to know how your digestive system is – or is not – moving and grooving. Collecting this information can be as easy as keeping a tally of how often you’re going and the types of poop you have – there are even a variety of mobile apps out there to help you keep track.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention if the food you eat makes a difference to your bowel habits. And of course, make note of pain, bleeding, weight loss and other symptoms.

Based on your bowel habits and symptoms, your doctor will work with you to come up with a treatment plan. They may also refer you to a gastroenterologist, which is a doctor who specializes in digestive heath.

While no one really wants to talk about digestive problems, paying attention to what plops into the toilet can lead to a healthier poo – and you.

How to relieve constipation | HealthPartners Blog

Not sure if you’re “going” as often as you should? Feeling backed up, bloated and uncomfortable? If you find yourself answering yes to any of these questions, you might be constipated. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. More than 2 million people see a doctor each year for constipation.

Talking to your doctor about bowel movements (or lack thereof) can feel awkward. But your stool says a lot about your health, so it’s important to keep track of when you’re experiencing symptoms of constipation and how often. We’ll help you identify common causes of constipation and walk you through how to get relief.

Signs and symptoms of constipation

How often you need to poop is different for everybody, so the signs and symptoms of constipation can vary from person to person. But some of the most common signs of constipation include:

• Fewer than three bowel movements a week
• Dry, hard and/or lumpy stools that are hard to pass
• Bloating, stomach ache or cramps
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy

If you experience mild symptoms of constipation once in a while, home remedies work well to alleviate the problem. But if you are experiencing constipation often or your symptoms are severe, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to discuss treatment options.

Constipation causes

When we look at the causes of constipation, it’s important to understand how the digestive system works. As food moves through the digestive tract, nutrients are absorbed – the partially digested food that remains becomes waste. After the waste moves from the small intestine into the large intestine, it ends up in the colon, which absorbs water from the waste, creating stool (or poop). Constipation happens when your colon absorbs too much water from your poop, drying it out and making it harder to pass.

Causes of constipation can vary from person to person. It could be a change in diet or routine, or an inadequate intake of water and fiber (a nutrient found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains that helps with digestion). But the three most common causes of constipation are often lifestyle, medicines and medical conditions.

Lifestyle causes of constipation

How we treat our bodies – and what we put into them – can often be the cause of constipation. From the foods you eat to your daily routine, constipation can be caused by lifestyle factors like:

• Stress
• Eating low-fiber foods
• Immobility or not getting enough exercise
• Not drinking enough water
• Eating too much meat, milk or cheese
• Changes to your routine (like traveling)
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement

Medicine that can cause constipation

The medicine we take helps us feel better, but sometimes there are side effects. Constipation can be a side effect of some supplements and prescription medications, including:

• Antidepressants
• Strong pain medicines
• Antacids
• Iron pills
• Allergy medicines/antihistamines
• Seizure medicine
• Antinausea medicine
• Certain blood pressure medicines

If you’re experiencing chronic constipation, ask your doctor to do a medicine/supplement review. They may be able to adjust the dose or prescribe another medication to help you get relief. Do not stop taking your medications without talking to your doctor first.

Medical conditions that can cause constipation

Some medical conditions can be a cause of constipation. You may experience constipation symptoms with conditions like:

• Endocrine problems such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, uremia or hypercalcemia
• Colorectal cancer
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Neurologic disorders (spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or stroke)
• Lazy bowel syndrome
• Intestinal obstruction
• Digestive tract defects
• Pregnancy

How to relieve constipation

If you’re feeling constipated, you want relief fast – but it can be hard to figure out what treatment options are right for you. There are many ways to try to relieve constipation. Home remedies are often the best way to treat mild, irregular cases of constipation, while medication might be needed to treat more chronic cases.

Home remedies for constipation

Most cases of mild to moderate constipation can be treated at home but do require some lifestyle changes. Get relief by trying home remedies like:

• Eating a healthy diet, including colon-friendly foods like fruits, veggies, prunes, bran cereal and whole grains
• Avoiding high-fat foods like meat, cheese and eggs
• Drinking plenty of water – start by adding 2-3 extra glasses a day
• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages
• Exercise regularly or incorporate more movement into your routine
• Adjust how you sit on the toilet – try raising your feet, leaning back or squatting for easier bowel movements
• Avoid prolonged straining and spending too much time on the toilet – keep your phone, favorite book or newspaper out of the bathroom

Medicines for constipation

When at-home remedies aren’t doing the trick, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help you get relief from constipation. Common constipation medicines include:

• Over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners
• Prescription laxatives like lubiprostone (Amitiza), plecanatide (Trulance) and lactulose (Cephulac or Kristalose)
• Serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptors like prucalopride (Prudac or Motegrity)
• Dietary supplements (magnesium or fiber)

How to cure constipation permanently

Although there is no way to cure constipation permanently, if you stick to a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and maintain an active lifestyle, you’ll be less likely to experience constipation.

Chronic constipation

If you’re consistently having bowel movements less than three times a week, you are experiencing chronic constipation. Chronic constipation can be a symptom of an underlying condition, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

The more information you can share with your doctor, the better. It’s a good idea to pay attention to the food you eat and how it impacts your bowel habits. And of course, make note of pain, bleeding, weight loss and other symptoms.

There are a variety of mobile apps out there to help you keep track of how often you poop and your overall gut health. Based on your bowel habits and symptoms, your doctor will work with you to come up with a treatment plan or refer you to a gastroenterology specialist.

When is constipation an emergency?

It’s important to get treatment for your constipation before it becomes an emergency. If constipation is not treated, it could cause serious complications such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse and more. Go to urgent care if you’re experiencing:

• Severe stomach pain or pain with bowel movements
• Blood in your poop
• Unexplained weight loss
• Inability to have a bowel movement
• Constipation that has lasted more than three weeks
• Major bloating

Get constipation relief

Talking to your doctor about constipation can feel awkward, but it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Whether you’re curious if your bowel habits are normal, you’re dealing with chronic constipation or you might be experiencing an emergency, our clinicians are here to answer your questions, discuss treatment options and provide compassionate care.

Constipation or irregular stools for several days: how to distinguish?

An important role in the well-being of every person is played by the intestines. If trips to the toilet are irregular, accompanied by difficulties and do not bring relief, the usual rhythm of life may be disturbed. The mood deteriorates, internal discomfort and a feeling of heaviness cause discomfort.

Many people begin to take actions on their own to get rid of the problem, resorting to such means as herbal tea, enema, etc. For some, these means allow them to completely cope with the problem, for some they bring only temporary relief, and for others they do not at all don’t help. And then you need to look for another solution. However, before looking for a solution to the problem, it is necessary to distinguish between two fairly close concepts – irregular stools and constipation.

Irregular stool

Everything can start with an irregular stool. To understand what an irregular stool is, let’s go backwards and define what a regular stool is. It is considered normal when bowel emptying occurs at least once a day ⁶ . According to modern physiology, only 8% of healthy people stool less than once a day. Thus, 92% of practically healthy people have a stool at least once a day ⁶ .

The frequency of stools is affected by the amount of liquid consumed and the type of food. The use of refined, refined, processed foods provides the digestive system with only easy-to-digest substances and little fiber. As a result, stools may become less frequent than usual.

Separately, it is necessary to highlight such a problem as irregular stools during pregnancy. More rare trips to the toilet may be associated with physiological changes in the body. Hormones that help relax the uterine muscles and keep the pregnancy going can cause a decrease in bowel muscle tone ⁷ . In late pregnancy, mechanical compression of the bowel may occur ⁷ . Irregular bowel movements may persist after childbirth. Since the work of the whole organism of a woman is aimed at bearing and giving birth to a healthy child, other functions of the body may suffer for this purpose.

Constipation

Being mindful of your health often helps to avoid turning irregular stools into constipation. There is a very thin line between constipation and irregular stools. Many focus only on the frequency of stools, losing sight of other important symptoms. If nothing is done, constipation may develop.

Constipation is characterized by the following symptoms ⁵ :

• prolonged and fruitless straining,
• lumpy or hard stools,
• sensation of incomplete bowel emptying,
• stool frequency less than three times a week,
• soreness when going to the toilet.

Particular attention should be paid to those who have several symptoms at once. If constipation continues to bother you for the past three months, and the first symptoms appeared at least 6 months ago, we can say that the problem has become chronic ⁵ .

The leading symptoms of the problem are not stool frequency, but unproductive urges, incomplete release and excessive effort, as well as increased time for this process. In this case, the frequency of the stool can remain normal. For this reason, many may underestimate their condition and not start treatment on time. Just look at the statistics. Constipation affects up to 40% of the population in developed countries ⁷ . During pregnancy and the postpartum period, up to 50% of women experience this problem ⁷ .

Treatment and prevention

It is important to prevent the transition of irregular stools into constipation, but to take control of the situation in time and help the intestines to restore normal functioning. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. We need to act.

The main goal is to restore the normal rate of bowel movement and regular stool.

The result can be achieved by changing lifestyle and eating habits. In your daily diet, you need to include foods rich in fiber. It is also important to monitor the water balance and consume at least 1.5 – 2.5 liters of fluid per day. It is recommended to eat more vegetables, fruits, berries, food bran, dried apricots, prunes and apples ^4.5 .

However, it has been observed in practice that the diet may not give a lasting effect ⁵ . It is not perceived as a new way of life, but as a temporary limitation for the removal of symptoms, which later leads to their return and the transition of the problem to a more serious, chronic one.

Normalization of the stool is facilitated by increased motor activity, strengthening of the muscles of the pelvic floor and abdominals. It is also important to create comfortable psychological conditions for going to the toilet ⁵ . Calm, measured morning hours are the most optimal for the formation of stable urges in accordance with biological rhythms. However, sometimes the above measures are not enough to deal with the problem. Then laxatives come to the rescue.

Preparations for the normalization of stools and the treatment of constipation

Laxatives can be divided into several groups according to their action ⁵ :

• Irritant laxatives – tablets, suppositories, drops. They irritate the intestinal receptors and cause increased peristalsis.
• Increasing the volume of intestinal contents – ballast substances (bran, flax seed).
• Contributing to the softening of the contents – liquid paraffin, vaseline oil.
• Osmotic agents increase fluid content in the intestinal lumen (lactulose, lactitol, macrogol/polyethylene glycol).

All of the above groups of drugs have strengths and weaknesses (You can read more about the types of laxatives, their advantages and disadvantages in the article “How to choose the right laxative?”). However, to solve the problem, an integrated approach to treatment will give the best result. The combination of physical activity, proper diet, drinking enough water and the use of laxatives allows you to restore regular bowel movements and return the joy of life ⁵ . To normalize stools and treat constipation, osmotic agents, in particular, the laxative Duphalac ^®1,4,5 , will be the best choice.

Benefits of Duphalac

^®

Duphalac ^® has dual action : gently and comfortably cleanses the intestines with a laxative effect and restores the balance of the intestinal microflora due to its prebiotic action ¹ . Thus, Dufalac® restores proper bowel function and regular stools for a long time ^1.2 .

Duphalac ^® has a high safety profile, suitable for people of any age, including children from the first days of life, pregnant and lactating women ^1.3 .

One of the main advantages of Duphalac® is that it is non-addictive* and can be used for as long as needed ^{1. 3} which is especially important for people with chronic constipation.

Do not forget that the problem of irregular stools and constipation is important and requires proper treatment.

Irregular stool, intestinal arrhythmia – treatment in St. Petersburg at the medical center

02/24/2015

Blessed is he who is early in the morning
Has a chair without compulsion,
All food is to his liking
And all pleasures are available.
A.S. Pushkin

Normal bowel rhythm should be considered a daily bowel movement in the morning, bringing relief. In some individuals, even with daily meals, bowel movements can have a two-phase course: the first emptying before breakfast, the next one after. An increase in the frequency of stools more than three times a day is regarded as a high frequency of emptying and serves as a criterion for assessing the early symptom of overnutrition in a practicing gastroenterologist.

At the same time, the decrease in the frequency of emptying is a separate nosological unit and is considered in Western medical literature as a “hidden national problem”. The growth in the detection of oncological diseases of the colon and rectum over the past decades, of course, is associated with its early diagnosis, which is due to the availability of equipment and the level of staff training. At the same time, according to the State Scientific Center of Coloproctology (2009), changes in the nature of human activity, nutrition, habitat, and endoecological conditions are prerequisites for the appearance and development of colorectal cancer. One of the risk factors for cancer of the colon and rectum, gallbladder, pancreas is intestinal arrhythmia.

It is necessary to distinguish the concept between a decrease in stool and constipation, and if in the first case, the frequency of stool is from 2 to 6 times a week, then with constipation, the stool can be from 1 to 2 times a week.

The reasons for the development of irregular stools in the process of human life are diverse and range from alimentary, reflex factors to electrolyte disturbances, toxic or drug effects. “Fear of other people’s toilets”, false shame, especially at school age, when the child has to go to the toilet in public, leads to forced retention of stool, which eventually develops the habit of suppressing urges. Postponed inflammation, operations on the abdominal organs, more often after appendectomy, according to Ya.M. Ivanusy et al., (1988g.) in 40-45% of cases leads to intestinal atony. The presence of diseases such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids with frequent (more than three times a year) exacerbations, accompanying the act of emptying with pain, force artificial retention of stool, which also develops a pathological habit. The multifactorial nature of the development of intestinal arrhythmia, a short transition from the acute phase to the chronic course, the duration of the condition ultimately leads to the disease and to its terminal phase – constipation.

Irregular stools, its retention are asymptomatic, accompanied by a daily increase in the concentration in the intestinal lumen of a number of toxic substances that, penetrating into the vascular bed, act as a neurotropic poison, poisoning the entire body, which appears with a number of neurological symptoms: dizziness, headache, fatigue, irritability , aggressiveness, including intestinal atony. As an example, let us cite a well-known historical fact described by A. Gul (2006). The Great Pilot suffered from constipation, which was of a long-term nature, therefore, when Mao Zedong had a stool retention, the Chinese army constantly (day and night) attacked, when emptying came, then a holiday came in the People’s Army of China: a gramophone was started with recordings of Russian songs and American foxtrots, adored by the commander, and dancing began. The disease does not disturb until possible complications develop, such as ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids or colorectal cancer.

The normal physiology of the digestive tract is based on an unshakable rule: “Daily nutrition – Daily stool”, while it is the morning phase of bowel movement that is best to reduce the risk of constipation, provided that the food that promotes bowel emptying is functional: vegetables, fruits, sour-milk products, rye bread, fish, cereals, mineral water, table white wines, but it should be remembered that a number of products can delay the evacuation function of the intestine: rice, blueberries, strong tea, pasta, red wines.

An important factor in the development of stool retention is also hypodynamia, insufficient drinking regimen, passion for drug treatment (antacids, antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, antibiotics, etc.), preferences for fatty meat foods that linger longer in the intestines, aggravating the processes putrefaction than plant fiber, lead to the accumulation of carcinogenic metabolites in the body. This is clearly evidenced by the example of eating fast foods, where the food is saturated with fatty acids, and the use of additionally large volumes of lemonades (Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Mirinda, Sevenap, etc.), where there is a high concentration of carbohydrates. Ultimately, dependent on the above, suffer from obesity, diabetes, they often develop ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis.

How to treat intestinal arrhythmia?

Of course, the principle of treating any disease, and we found out that irregular bowel movements is a disease and far from harmless, is a comprehensive and individual approach to each case and must be consistent. And without the help of the patient himself, the doctor will not cope with a seemingly harmless condition. The complex treatment includes the concept of normalizing the diet, observing the regime of work and rest, strictly observing the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness, enhancing physical activity (not to be confused with sports), resorting to medical correction only in cases of ineffectiveness of all three of the above factors.

An individual approach is to fully identify and eliminate the causes of the development of irregular stools. The sequence is in the development of tactics for normalizing the daily rhythm of the intestines, normalizing the drinking regime, diet and physical activity, and only then, if necessary, resorting to drug treatment.

The medicinal range for the treatment of irregular stools (chronic constipation) in our country is wide. Bisacodyl, Senade, Castor oil are traditionally used, however, it is not recommended to use them for a long time due to the occurrence of undesirable side effects, so, according to Fedorov V.