Irregular bowel movements can be a cause for concern, and many individuals find themselves wondering why their digestive system seems to be acting up. Today, we will cover several common questions, including “what are signs of abnormal bowel movements,” “how do you fix irregular bowel movements,” and “what kind of change in bowel habits indicates cancer.” We’ll also cover when to consult a medical professional about your symptoms. Let’s get started.
What Are Signs of Abnormal Bowel Movements?
Abnormal bowel movements can take various forms, such as constipation or diarrhea. Signs of abnormal bowel habits include:
infrequent or excessively frequent bowel movements
changes in stool consistency
difficulty passing stool
These changes can be indicative of underlying issues that need attention.
Constipation and Diarrhea:
What Are Common Causes of Constipation?
Constipation, a frequent cause of irregular bowel movements, can result from a variety of factors, including a lack of dietary fiber, insufficient fluid intake, sedentary lifestyle, and certain medications (like iron supplements, prescription pain medication, and more). It's essential to evaluate your daily habits and consider making dietary and lifestyle adjustments to alleviate constipation; we’ll go into detail on that below.
What Could Be Causing Diarrhea?
Diarrhea, on the other hand, may be caused by viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, stress, or underlying medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Identifying the root cause of diarrhea is critical in managing an irregular bowel issue.
What Kind of Change in Bowel Habits Indicates Cancer?
While irregular bowel movements can have benign causes, it's vital to be aware of the potential warning signs of colon cancer. These may include blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits that last for an extended period. If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking prompt medical evaluation is essential – if the pain or bleeding are bad enough, consider going to the ER.
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How Do You Fix Irregular Bowel Movements With Lifestyle Changes?
If you’d like to try to improve irregular bowel movements, start with some of the following lifestyle changes. Try not to introduce more medications (like stool softeners or anti-diarrheals) to the mix, as this can mask symptoms for you and your health provider.
Increase dietary fiber intake by incorporating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you struggle to get enough fiber, a capsule supplement or mix-in supplement can help you.
Stay adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You can also increase hydration and fiber by adding a smoothie or two to your daily meal plan. Try to stay away from juicing unless you allow much of the fiber to pass through to the juice.
Engage in regular physical activity to promote digestive health. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous, just enough to get your bowels moving.
Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises. Also, making sure you’re getting enough sleep at night and engaging in exercise can help you lower your stress levels.
In summary, irregular bowel movements can have many causes, including diet, stress, and even serious conditions like colon cancer. Paying attention to signs and causes is vital for digestive well-being. If you experience persistent irregular bowel habits or worrisome symptoms, consult your healthcare provider or seek emergency care.