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Like many things in life, it’s not unusual to take our daily bowel movement for granted. Constipation, however, is a really common problem for many of us. 25 We talk very little about our digestive habits with others, as we tend to view our inner workings as a most intimate personal issue. In fact, questions about our toilet habits can leave some of us more tongue-tied than Maggie Simpson.
As a result of this communication gap, our knowledge can be limited. We may even be unaware of the existence of safe and effective alternatives that could help to normalize our bowel movements.
Taking time to understand your digestive habits is a worthy investment to live a better, healthier life. Let’s begin by understanding what defines a normal bowel movement.
So, how many times should you poop a day? As a general rule, if you go more than three times per day, you probably have diarrhea. If you go less than three times per week, you could be constipated.8-9,11
Bowel movements vary widely between individuals, so the subjective perception of what constitutes “normal” also varies from one person to the next. Remember to monitor your pooping patterns and notice changes. When your pooping habits suddenly change, it can be an early warning sign that your doctor should be consulted.8-9,11
Let's explain both conditions in more detail.
Diarrhea is described as too frequent soft bowel movements that are urgent or difficult to hold.10
There are two types of diarrhea: acute and chronic. Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections are the most common causes of acute diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea, however, can be caused by many digestive disorders. If you experience diarrhea frequently, see a healthcare professional.14
The medical community defines constipation as a condition where the daily number of stools is low compared to the "normal frequency”.
Individuals who are constipated describe their condition as the unsatisfactory evacuation of stools, more rarely than they would like. Stools are also typically of small volume, hard textured, and difficult to pass.10
Constipation affects approximately 15% of the population and is often self-diagnosed and self-managed. Multiple factors can cause it, such as stress, an unbalanced diet, not drinking enough water, lack of exercise, or medication side effects.11
A bowel movement occurs at the end of digestion, which begins with eating food and ends with the excretion of solid waste, commonly known as stool.2
Bowel movements vary by individual, as will the poop produced as a result of it. To determine whether your bowel movements are normal, you need to know more about your poop.
Bristol Stool Form (BSF) is a tool that categorizes poop into seven types based on its appearance and associated with colonic transit times.4
How firm should your poop be? The BSF breaks it down as follows: 21
Many factors can lead to a break in your normal bowel movement cycle. These include medical conditions, some medications and supplements, and lifestyle factors. Let’s explore some of these potential causes below.
Some medical conditions manifest as abnormal digestive movements. These may include diabetes, hypothyroidism, and irritable bowel syndrome.16
Some medical conditions may cause constipation specifically, including: 29
If you have frequent abnormal bowel movements consult a doctor, since it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
The following medications and supplements may cause constipations, but not limited too:
Several lifestyle and nutritional factors may also have an effect on your bowel movements. These below may cause constipation: 29
Increasing fiber consumption is one of the first alternatives to consider when suffering from constipation. By reducing intestinal transit time and increasing stool bulk, fiber helps your body eliminate waste more quickly.23,26 You should increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid uncomfortable reactions.18
Walking, running, and resistance exercises reduce intestinal transit time, which means that the food you eat is eliminated quicker, whereas physical inactivity increases it.18
Constipation may also be affected by your position when pooping. Squatting provides an ideal posture.25
Frequent and satisfactory bowel movements allow you to live a full life. Pay attention to your bowel movements to recognize changes in your digestion, the gut tends to be more active in the morning and after meals. 28 Don’t resist or fight the urge to go to the bathroom. If you need to go, you need to go
If you are experiencing occasional constipation, and the above tips don’t help, laxatives are also an option. Laxatives are very safe when used as directed.
There are several types of laxatives, if you have doubts on what would be the best option for you, discuss with a doctor or pharmacist. Dulcolax is one great example of a laxative with 70 years in the market. Dulcolax increases bowel movement frequency by relieving constipation, which helps reduce uncomfortable symptoms of tummy trouble, such as bloating.
Learn more about the different types of laxatives here.
A full range of Dulcolax products is available here, including tablets, suppositories, soft chews, and liquid.
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