While often overlooked until we face a serious gastrointestinal problem, bowel movements play a serious role in overall well-being. It plays an essential role in removing waste from the body and helping to maintain the digestive cycle and health. A healthy bowel movement suggests that an individual’s digestive system is well-regulated and nutrients are being absorbed appropriately.
According to an experienced gastroenterologist in Siliguri, disruptions such as diarrhoea and constipation can be signs of underlying issues related to the gut. With a proper understanding of these conditions, you can effectively prevent these issues before they impact your digestive system. Let us look into a list of 8 common factors that disrupt bowel movement.
1.Imbalances in Diet
What we eat does have a crucial role in regulating bowel movements. Individuals who have diets comprising rich food and a lack of fibre are often found to be affected with disrupted bowel movement. Often, they face issues with constipation, which slows the movement of the stool as it passes through the intestine. In contrast to this, if the diet of a person comprises dairy products and high-fat meals, it may lead to them suffering from diarrhoea or irregular stool.
To maintain a healthy bowel movement, it is important to look into maintain a balanced diet with enough fibre. Staying hydrated throughout the day also help with the stool movement, allowing you to prevent other gastrointestinal issues.
2.Anxiety and Stress
While most people are aware of the connection between stress and bowel functioning, it can be said that it plays an essential role in triggering gut-related issues. According to an expert gastroenterologist in Siliguri, stress tends to trigger specific hormones such as cortisol, which can affect the pace of digestion. While it may be different for each, high levels of cortisol can either cause diarrhoea or constipation. In cases of sudden stress, it has been found that individuals tend to have loose stools. This only gets worse for individuals who have chronic stress and anxiety, as the bowel movements keep fluctuating.
3.Sedentary Lifestyle
To maintain a healthy bowel movement system, it is essential to stay physically active. This is because exercise helps stimulate muscles, which further promotes the healthy regulation of the stool passage. This can help individuals by preventing the chances of constipation. A sedentary lifestyle, on the other hand, can cause infrequent stools caused by slow digestion.
In most cases, individuals affected with these tend to have desk jobs which require them to sit for a long time. With the help of small walks between breaks and moderate weekly exercises, these individuals will be able to counter the effects and keep their digestive system active.
4.Medications and Supplements
Various medications and supplements used for other medical conditions can also disrupt bowel movements. As stated by a gastroenterologist in Siliguri, antibiotics can alter the gut bacteria, causing diarrhoea or loose stool. Opioids, on the other hand, tend to cause constipation as they slow down the movement of the stool.
While fibre supplements are good for the body, high amounts of iron supplements can lead to hardening of the stool. In contrast to this, the overuse of laxatives can cause erratic bowel patterns, causing damage to the digestive system of an individual.
5.Imbalance in Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome, a community of trillions of bacteria, plays a crucial role in digestion and bowel regularity. Imbalances, often caused by poor diet, antibiotics, or infections, can lead to bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation. For instance, an overgrowth of harmful bacteria may trigger loose stools, while a lack of beneficial bacteria can slow digestion. While taking probiotics can help regulate these aspects, it is not always effective for all individuals. Whole grains, bananas and onions, on the other hand, are more generally effective. However, if this imbalance remains persistent, it is important to get diagnostic tests done and consult with a gastroenterologist.
6.Other Medical Conditions
Several medical conditions can disrupt bowel movements, ranging from manageable to serious. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes alternating constipation and diarrhoea, which is often accompanied by bloating or abdominal pain. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause issues such as blood in stool and even severe weight loss. If this is accompanied by constant changes in Bowel habits, it is important to seek help from a well-known gastroenterologist in Siliguri.
7. Fluctuations in Hormone Levels
Hormone fluctuations are common in women, but they can also affect bowel functioning. When going through phases such as menstruation, pregnancy, as well as menopause, there is an increase in the fluctuations of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can cause the digestion process to either slow its pace, causing constipation or speed up the process, causing diarrhoea. In some women, the menstrual cycle triggers symptoms similar to IBS, which can be helped by following a consistent and healthy diet. In severe cases, however, it is better to take input from a gastroenterologist.
8.Foodborne Illnesses or Infections
Infections of the digestive tract caused by bacteria and parasites can lead to disruptions in bowel movements, often causing diarrhoea, cramping, or nausea. Common culprits include foodborne pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli, often contracted from contaminated food or water. Traveller’s diarrhoea, prevalent in areas with poor sanitation, can also affect bowel habits. Viral infections like gastroenteritis may cause temporary loose stools, while parasitic infections, such as Giardia, can lead to prolonged issues.
Conclusion
Disturbed bowel movements can stem from a variety of causes, from dietary missteps to stress, inactivity, medications, microbiome imbalances, medical conditions, hormonal changes, or infections. By addressing these factors through mindful lifestyle adjustments, all serious conditions can be avoided. However, if the symptoms are persistent, you should prompt a visit to a gastroenterologist in Siliguri for expert evaluation and tailored treatment.
