Understanding The Need To Have A Normal Healthy Bowel

Everybody has a different sense of what normal is when it comes to bowel habits. Some consider a daily bowel movement to be good normal bowel habits. At the same time, others may consider three times a week to be acceptable normal bowel habits. While it is agreed by many that there are different takes to what a healthy normal may be, there are certain bowel habits that are definitely unhealthy.

Good bowel movements are when you empty your colon or your intestines completely and easily without straining hard. This results in you being less in pain or bloated. There is even a chart called the Bristol Stool Scale that shows you what a healthy stool should look like before considering seeking professional advice.

So, if you do experience pain and bloating even after clearing, or you feel like you have been straining while clearing, then it is highly recommended for you to make a doctor’s visit. For serious cases, you might then be advised to go for medical testing to rule out any colon related diseases. For smaller cases, you might just be prescribed some laxatives.

So, why do you have abnormal bowel habits?

There are many factors that contribute to an abnormality in your bowel habits. Food poisoning, eating unfamiliar food, and poor lifestyle habits are some factors that may cause trouble to your bowel system. Additionally, travelling may affect your bowel habits as you compromise on certain habits as you rush around having as much fun as you can.

Another common factor to a change in bowel habits may also be medication. Some medications cause side effects such as constipation or diarrhoea.

In more serious conditions, abnormal bowel movements may be an indication of colon related diseases such as colon cancer, the number one cancer in Singapore. You should make a doctor’s visit as soon as possible if you experience the following signs:

• Bloody stools
• No bowel movement for the past 7 to 10 days
• Experiencing the same repeated cycle of having constipation and diarrhoea for a prolonged period
• Severe pain in your rectum
• Diarrhoea accompanied by vomiting lasting for a couple of days

What you can do to improve your colon health

The most highly recommended way to ensure you have a healthy colon, especially if you have a family history of colon diseases or are over the age of 50, is to go for a colonoscopy. That is the most direct way of checking the health status of your colons. There are, however other ways you can adopt that helps reduce the risk of developing colon disease and improve bowel habits. They include:

• Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables that consist of high fibre such as apples, pears, broccoli, etc
• Consume high fibre grains such as wholemeal bread, multi-grain rice, and oatmeal
• Consume low-fat dairy products such as yoghurt
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily
• Drink a lot of water
• Reduce your alcohol and smoking intake

Conclusion

It is important to maintain a healthy normal bowel habit. Ensuring good colon health is not difficult and can not only prevent the development of colon diseases but also improve your overall well-being. Not only will you feel good, but you will be physically good as well. So, start taking charge of your colon health today.

Suppose you have read this article and are considering taking charge of your colon health; then let GUTCARE help you in this journey. Contact us to find out the various services we provide in ensuring excellent colon health.