No one wants to discuss bowel movements at the dinner table or anywhere in polite conversation. But it is a topic always worth discussing since bowel movements are one of the best indicators of overall health. If needed, you must also contact the expert provider of bariatric surgery houston to ensure your digestive system is in perfect condition and to avoid any health problems related to overweight.
We’ve always been told that a healthy bowel movement is essential. It is the way by which our body expels food that we haven’t properly absorbed. When your colon is not functioning normally, it affects other organs and your overall well-being.
However, bowel movement patterns vary from person to person. Some people may have daily bowel movements while others have it once or three times a week. So how do you know what’s normal? How do you make sure your colon is healthy?
Healthy bowel movements allow you to empty your colon often enough not to feel bloated or in pain. You also shouldn’t have to strain so hard to get it done.
If your poop comes out with great difficulty and looks like pebbles, you are constipated. Constipation is typically triggered by a lack of fiber and water in the diet, a lack of exercise, stress, and changes in regular bathroom routines. Some people who have had bariatric surgery also suffer from constipation.
On the other hand, poop that is too soft or liquid isn’t healthy either.
Liquid stool or diarrhea is typically caused by digestive system infections, allergies, and intolerances to certain foods or poor food absorption. Aside from these, diarrhea is a common side effect of treatments like antibiotics, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
When examining your stool, check for color, consistency, and smell. Healthy poop is soft, dense, and easy to push out. The color should range from a very light brown to a dark, almost greenish, brown. An extremely foul odor could indicate poor digestion and absorption of food.
If you do suffer from constipation, a change in your diet might be in order. Switch to a fiber-rich diet and drink at least eight glasses of water a day. More importantly, add exercise to your regimen to keep your stool moving.
Diarrhea usually resolves on its own within a couple of days. However, for effective and immediate relief, you can use a product like Banatrol Plus, which thickens stool without stopping gut motility.
The colon plays a huge role in how our bodies use the food we eat. Keeping your colon healthy is essential in maintaining almost all bodily functions. Make sure you eat a colon-friendly diet and engage in regular physical activity.