Bowel health is an important aspect of overall health, yet it’s often overlooked. Many people are embarrassed to talk about their bowel health, which can lead to problems going undiagnosed and untreated.

But don’t wait until it’s too late to take action. There are steps you can take today to protect your bowel health.

Eat a Healthy Diet

What you eat can have a big impact on your bowel health. Eating a diet that is high in fiber and low in processed foods can help keep your bowel movements regular.

This is because fiber helps to soften stool and move it through your digestive system more easily. Additionally, a healthy diet can reduce your risk of developing colon cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is crucial for bowel health. When you don’t drink enough water, your stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. This can lead to constipation and other bowel problems.

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your bowel movements regular and your digestive system healthy.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is important for overall health, but it can also help keep your bowel movements regular. When you exercise, it stimulates your digestive system, helping you to move stool through your intestines more effectively.

This can help reduce your risk of constipation and other bowel problems. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

Don’t Ignore the Urge to Go

Many people ignore the urge to have a bowel movement because they’re too busy, shy or embarrassed. But ignoring the urge to go can lead to constipation and other bowel problems. When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, take the time to go.

Try to establish a routine for bowel movements so that your body becomes accustomed to going at the same time every day.

Manage Stress

Stress can have a big impact on your digestive system. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that can slow down digestion and cause constipation.

Additionally, stress can lead to other bowel problems, such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Managing your stress levels can help keep your digestive system healthy. Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can have a negative impact on your digestive system. It can increase your risk of developing colon cancer and other gastrointestinal problems, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Additionally, smoking can exacerbate symptoms of digestive disorders like IBS. Quitting smoking can help protect your bowel health and reduce your risk of developing these problems.

Get Screened for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but it’s highly preventable if caught early.

Screening for colon cancer can help detect precancerous polyps, which can then be removed before they develop into cancer. Everyone should get screened for colon cancer starting at age 50, or earlier if they have a family history of the disease.

Conclusion

Your bowel health is an important component of your overall health, and it’s never too early or too late to start taking care of it.

By making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, managing stress, quitting smoking, and getting screened for colon cancer, you can help protect your bowel health and prevent serious problems down the line.