Our digestive system breaks down the food we eat, absorbs the goodness and nutrients into our blood stream, then prepares and expels the waste that the body cannot use. A vital part of this system is the bowel, which is made up of the small and large intestines.
Issues like constipation can often be fixed with lifestyle changes and medications. But changes in bowel habits can also be signs that something else is going on in your body that needs the attention of a healthcare professional.
Changes in your bowel habits can provide clues about what’s happening inside your digestive system. Changes include differences in your poop’s color and consistency, how often you’re pooping and how much control you have over your bowel movements.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the stomach and intestines, also called the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, belly pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both.
Everyone deals with the occasional bowel problem such as diarrhea or constipation. These are unpleasant conditions that usually go away on their own after a few days, or with the help of over-the-counter medications and lifestyle modifications like dietary changes and exercise.
Bowel problems include irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease. This guide includes information on symptoms, treatment, and more.
People with disabilities or who are deconditioned often experience a change in bowel patterns. Some individuals have problems moving their bowels, while others have accidental bowel movements. Understanding how the digestive system works can help with adjusting to bowel changes.
Learn about the different parts of your bowels, how they work, & their importance to your overall health. Understand key functions, care tips, & common health conditions.