Reader’s Digest UK – August 2019

T

here are many

good reasons to

improve your bowel

movements. For

starters, maintaining

a healthy bowel

routine keeps your

pelvic muscles fit

and your time on

the toilet brief. It helps prevent

chronic constipation and diarrhea,

along with secondary problems

like hemorrhoids, tissue tears and

unpredictable stools. Many of the

lifestyle changes that promote

defecation, such as eating fibre and

getting exercise, also reduce your risk

of colorectal cancer.

Is there such a thing as too

many number twos? What about

movements that make only rare

appearances? “There’s a huge range

of what’s considered normal,” says

Dr Dina Kao, a University of Alberta

gastroenterologist. Some of us are on

the throne three times a day, while

others poop once every few days.

There’s no need to worry about the

frequency of your bowel movements

if your stool appears normal and you

feel well. But don’t dismiss symptoms

like fever, pain or dehydration. “If

there’s blood, any change in your

usual pattern, weight loss, or if you

have any concerns, you should speak

to your doctor,” says Fallone.

Use our helpful guide below to

ensure your bowel movements are the

best they can be.

Foods That Help Regularity

The high sorbitol content in dried

fruits such as prunes, figs and dates

acts as a natural laxative. So does

flaxseed. Fresh pears and apples

sometimes do the trick. Eating

breakfast can also increase your colon

activity and trigger a bowel movement.

Dietary fibre is important to

your diet and bowel movements.

Because it isn’t digested, it bulks up

and softens stool, making it easier

WHAT GOES IN MUST COME OUT

42 • AUGUST 2019

FIBRE IN YOUR DIET

HELPS PREVENT GAS

AND BLOATING