| Embarrassed? Are you embarrassed talking about the need to move your bowels ? Also called the large intestine, and are just the lower part of your digestive system. Your intestines finish the process of digesting food - a process that starts in your mouth and stomach and ends with you going to the bathroom (have a bowel movement). About 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of food and liquids pass through your system everyday. They also can stay for several days in your bowels, where your body absorbs water and salts and nutrients. As water is absorbed, the digested food become semi-solid which becomes a bowel movement (feces). What's Normal? Normal for one person might be three bowel movements a day, and normal for another
might be four bowel movements a week. If your bowel movements fit somewhere in that range,
then you're probably OK.
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 the
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. 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, |
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Warning: Do not use enemas or laxatives if abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting are present
unless directed by your health care provider.
Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative or enema
may indicate a serious condition.
Discontinue use and consult your health care provider.
Statements contained within these web pages are for informational purposes only,
and have not been evaluated by the FDA.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
If pregnant or have an existing medical condition consult your healthcare provider
before using.
