5 Bowel Movements: Important Things to Know

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  Bowel movements are the process of eliminating waste from the body, including urine and feces. This waste comes from digesting various foods. Defecation is a necessary process for the body, helping to maintain balance and eliminate accumulated toxins and waste. Caring for a healthy digestive system allows the body to efficiently remove waste, reducing disease risk. Bowel movements are therefore a top priority for human digestive health.

The human digestive system consists of:

   • Small intestine – An essential part of the digestive system, breaking down food and absorbing nutrients into the body.
   • Large intestine – Connects to the small intestine, absorbing remaining water and
minerals and eliminating waste from the body.
   • Anus – The opening through which feces exits the body.

For a normal person, bowel movements occur around every 12-24 hours. Normal stool is light
to dark brown, round or oval-shaped, not overly hard or loose. Abnormal bowel movements
like constipation, diarrhea, frequent movements or infrequent movements can negatively impact health.

Tips for Healthy Bowel Function

• Eat high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains – Makes stool softer and easier to pass.
• Drink adequate fluids – Also softens stool for easier movements.
• Exercise regularly – Helps the digestive system work efficiently.
• Don’t delay bowel movements – Allows easier passage through the intestines.

Common Bowel Issues 

  • Constipation – Slowed intestinal motility hardens and dries stool, making it difficult to pass. Causes include inadequate hydration, low-fiber diet, habitually delaying bowel movements, medications, diabetes, hypothyroidism.
  • Diarrhea – Increased intestinal motility yields loose, frequent stools. Causes include contaminated food, bacterial/viral infection, certain medications, conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
  • Frequent movements – Speedier motility moves stool rapidly through the body.
Causes include high-fiber foods, excessive fluids, habitually delaying bowel movements, medications, conditions like IBS.
  • Infrequent movements – Slowed motility reduces bowel movements. Causes include inadequate hydration, low-fiber diet, habitually delaying bowel movements, conditions like IBS.

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