Bowels and Irregularity

Most people feel embarrassed to talk about  their digestive systems - especially their intestines
(colon) (bowels). They usually also feel shy about asking questions about bowel movements.
You should know what's normal and what's not and how your bowels function.
 

What's Normal ?

Many people think that "normal" means having one or more bowel movements every day, but that's not necessarily true. People are different, so their bowels are different. "Normal" can mean anything from three bowel movements a day to four a week. If your normal schedule fits somewhere in that range, then you probably do not have constipation.

 Constipation !

Constipation is what people call "irregularity," and it's not just a problem for older people. It does affect everyone at some point in time, and for some people most of their life.

What should they look like?

Normal bowel movements should be soft and easy to pass. They shouldn't be dry, hard, or painful. If they are, or you've gone for more than four days without having a bowel movement, you are probably constipated. Constipation means that you're not moving your bowels often enough, or your bowel movements are hard and dry and usually painful to pass.

If you think that you're having a problem with constipation, there are some simple ways of getting your bowels back on a regular schedule. Most of the time this means changing the kinds of foods you eat. You may need to eat fewer fatty and greasy foods (like fried foods) and fewer sugary foods (like candy bars and chocolate). You need  foods rich in fiber (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains).
Drinking at least eight 8oz.glasses of water each day is one of the best things you can do for your intestinal tract.

Exercise is another way to keep your digestive system moving, so you may want to replace some TV time for a bike ride or some sport activity. You might also try getting up a little earlier in the morning to give yourself a few extra minutes to use the bathroom before going out.
 If you feel the urge to use the bathroom, don't wait. Waiting for a better time to go only makes constipation worse.

And no matter what the TV commercials say, try not to use laxatives unless it's absolutely necessary, consult your doctor to see if the use of laxatives is appropriate.
 Laxatives can actually increase constipation if they're not used properly.

One of the most effective ways of relieving constipation is to take a simple warm water enema which is so much better for you than laxatives.
This easy procedure only takes a few minutes and is relatively comfortable and is safe to use.

There are several  methods for bowel retraining. These methods can often help people with a variety of conditions that lead to the problem. It is not a substitute for other forms of treatment because it does not cure the reason the problem occurred.

The main goal of bowel retraining is to produce regular bowel movements and reduce the need for medication and surgery. The diet should have enough fiber and fluids to promote soft, bulky stools. Grains and vegetables are good sources of fiber. Two quarts of fluid a day are advised. Diet supplements containing psyllium may add bulk to the stool and further promote well formed stools.

A person should set aside time for daily bowel movements. The best time is 5 to 45 minutes after a meal, since food stimulates the bowels. This routine often encourages the person to pay attention to the body's signals. Trying to have a bowel movement about the same time each day helps train the bowel to empty regularly.

For people with nerve damage or certain other conditions, bowel movements can also be brought on by stimulating the  anus and  rectum with lubricated gloved finger. The tip of a gloved finger that has been coated with lubricant can be inserted into the anus and moved in a circular motion. Sometimes a suppository or small enema may also help to get the bowels moving. This technique should only be used on the advise of a health care professional. Care must be taken to prevent tearing the fragile tissue inside the rectum or the anus.

The preferable position for a bowel movement is sitting down with a normal posture if possible. Reading may help a person relax, which can aid a bowel movement. While the stool is being expelled, a person should try to squeeze the stomach muscles and bear down. This increases the pressure in the abdomen, helping to empty the bowel.

A consistent pattern is the key to success of a bowel retraining program. Within a few weeks, many persons are able to establish regular bowel movements.

Other techniques may include exercises to strengthen the pelvic and rectal muscles.

Bowel retraining is generally performed until symptoms improve. This helps to establish a good pattern of bowel regulation and care. The person is free to go back to their normal routine,

Set aside a time for daily bowel care.

Are there any potential complications after the procedure?

A person should speak with his or her healthcare professional before considering any therapy. Some people may need to omit certain portions of these suggestions. For instance, a person with congestive heart failure or chronic renal failure may not be able to drink 2 quarts of fluid a day because they can get overloaded. Medications used to move the bowels, such as suppositories, may cause  diarrhea and salt imbalances in the body.