‘Being regular’ can help you stay healthy

October 31, 2018

“A to Z from Our Family Medicine Doctors at UT East Texas”

By: Linh Vo, DO

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Though it can be difficult or embarrassing to discuss, bowel health is crucial to your healthiness and well-being. Irregular bowel habits can cause abdominal discomfort, malaise, mood or anxiety disorders, and hemorrhoids.

A common problem is constipation, defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. It can be caused by your lifestyle, medications, and any chronic diseases you may have.

To lessen constipation, first try lifestyle changes. These include eating foods high in fiber and drinking water throughout the day and with meals.

Eat dark leafy greens and vegetables, both full of fiber. You can add bran to meals or take fiber supplements. Be sure and drink a full glass of water with fiber supplements and meals.

Water and fiber keep stools soft for easy passage through the colon and decrease the need for straining during bowel movements. Certain fruits can also help; in one clinical trial, prunes were effective against constipation.

Over-the-counter medications that aid digestion include laxatives. Bulking and osmotic laxatives, or stool softeners (Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, Benefiber, or Metamucil, for example) help keep water in the colon so that stools are easier to pass.

However, be careful when taking laxatives. While stool softeners can be taken as needed, healthcare providers don’t recommend taking stimulant laxatives like Dulcolax daily.

Avoid suppressing your natural urge to have a bowel movement at certain times, such as after meals. Remember that many things can affect your individual bowel patterns.

For occasional constipation, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend an over-the-counter medication.

If you have blood in your stool or have not had a bowel movement for seven days despite taking stool softeners, call your doctor’s office and make an appointment.