Bowel function is very important for one’s health. Bowel movements help the body get rid of waste and toxins. However, sometimes external factors can affect bowel function and result in constipation, diarrhea, or other bowel disorders.

Understanding these factors is important in maintaining overall health and bowel function. Here are some of the external factors that hinder bowel function.

Dietary Factors

Diet is one of the biggest external factors that impact bowel function. Foods high in fiber and water can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.

On the other hand, foods that are low in fiber and high in fat, sugar and salt can slow down bowel movements and cause constipation. Drinking enough fluids is also important in maintaining bowel function.

Lack of Exercise

Physical activity is important in maintaining overall bowel health. Regular exercise can help reduce constipation and promote regular bowel movements.

Exercise helps stimulate the muscles that control the bowel movement, helping to move waste out of the body.

Medications

Some medications can negatively affect bowel function. For example, painkillers such as codeine, can cause constipation. Antidepressants and other medications that treat mental health conditions can also affect bowel function.

Stress and Anxiety

The relationship between the brain and the gut is complex and stress can have a significant impact on bowel function.

Stress and anxiety can cause the muscles that control the bowel movement to contract or relax too much, disrupting the normal pattern of bowel movements. This can cause diarrhea or constipation depending on the individual and the situation.

Changes in Routine

Travelling or changes in daily routine can negatively impact bowel function. Changes in diet, time zone or schedule can all interfere with the body’s natural rhythms and cause constipation or diarrhea.

Stress and anxiety that come with these changes can also have an impact on bowel function.

Aging

Bowel function can change as we age. As we get older, the muscles that control bowel movements can weaken and bowel movements can become less frequent.

Medications that are commonly prescribed to older individuals can also have an impact on bowel function. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying physically active can go a long way in preventing these age-related changes.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is another external factor that can affect bowel function. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause constipation. Growing uterus can put pressure on the rectum and colon causing constipation.

Furthermore, iron supplements taken during pregnancy can also cause constipation. Eating a healthy diet, drinking enough fluids, and staying physically active can all help maintain bowel function during pregnancy.

Medical Conditions

There are several medical conditions that can negatively impact bowel function. Individuals with diabetes can experience nerve damage, which can affect the muscles that control bowel movements.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another condition that can affect bowel function, causing constipation, diarrhea, or both. Other conditions such as Crohn’s disease or colon cancer can also cause changes in bowel habits.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors such as pollution and exposure to toxins can also negatively affect bowel function.

Long-term exposure to harmful toxins can interfere with the body’s natural detoxification process, which can lead to constipation, diarrhea, or other bowel disorders.

Conclusion

External factors such as diet, lack of exercise, medications, stress, pregnancy, and medical conditions can all have significant impact on bowel function.

Maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, and managing stress, are all great ways to maintain bowel health and prevent bowel disorders. Furthermore, being aware of these external factors and making efforts to counteract any negative impacts can help ensure good bowel health throughout life.