How can you prevent/improve bowel problems?
There are some simple ways you can prevent or improve your bowel problems. Below are some tips on how to prevent constipation.
- Drink plenty of fluids. 6-9 glasses of different fluid every day is recommended. This is about 1.5-2 litres or 3-4 pints.
- Pain relieving medication can cause constipation. Therefore you should talk to your GP if you think this may be the cause.
- Take plenty of exercise. Even a 10 minute walk at lunchtime, especially if you sit a lot through the day, can have miraculous effects.
- Change your diet. A high fibre diet can reduce the risks of constipation. However since fibre soaks up fluid you need to be drinking adequately to help the effects of the fibre.
- Go to the toilet when you feel the urge to go - Don't ignore the call to go.
- Go to the toilet 20-30 minutes after meals, especially breakfast.
- Sit on the toilet correctly.
- If none of these things work you should talk to your doctor about the problem as they can help with medication or do a review of your present medication.
There are also things you can do to improve any symptoms of diarrhoea that is not due to a virus or food poisoning.
- Start a food diary. Do you think that there are things that your gut is sensitive to?
- If you have a feeling of urgency with the diarrhoea it is important to sit on something hard and pull in your pelvic floor until the urge passes. Then walk slowly to the toilet. Do not rush.
- Diarrhoea is often quite acidic and you may well have to take care of the skin around your back passage. You can use over the counter remedies that your pharmacist will advise you about.
- You may have a weak anal sphincter and completing pelvic floor exercises can really help keep control of diarrhoea.
- Drink a regular amount of fluid so that you do not become dehydrated. This is best to be water or an electrolyte mixture that is available from your Pharmacy.
- If the diarrhoea does not settle it is important to see your GP who will examine your general health and the possible causes for your diarrhoea. He may be able to prescribe some medication for you and review your current medications.