Bowel Trouble? By: Stephanie Adams

Interesting Facts Feeling Plugged up? ◦ It is normal for people to experience short periods of constipation. ◦ About 80% of people suffer from constipation during some time in their lives. ◦ Constipation is the most common intestinal problem in the United States

Constipation What is constipation? ◦ Characterized by:  Infrequent bowel movements  Decrease in stool volume or weight  Need to Strain to have a bowel movement  Feeling of an incomplete evacuation  Need for laxatives, enemas, or suppositories to remain regular

What is normal?

A common misconception is the assumption that everyone should have a bowel movement each day. It is normal for people to have a bowel movement from up to 3 times per day to 3 times per week.

What things affect bowel regularity?

What things affect bowel regulatity? Diet Fluid intake Activity level Medications Changes in environment Changes in diet Regular use of laxatives Ignoring the urge to go

What things can I do to help relieve constipation?

Nutritional Interventions Eating foods high in fiber helps increase bowel regularity  It is recommended that we consume grams of fiber each day (the average American only gets about gram of fiber per day)  Limit low fiber foods such as dairy, meat & processed foods Proper fluid intake – drinking enough water or juice helps fiber to be more effective

Fluid intake Men need 3 liters per day (13 cups) Women need 2.2 liters per day (9 cups)

Intervention through Physical Activity The best thing you can go to get your bowel movements regular is to move!!! It has been found to be most successful if a person exercises minutes after breakfast, because eating stimulates the colon.

Constipation Relieving Medications Laxatives or enemas should be used after a person has modified their diet and lifestyle, but are still constipated. If a person is depending on laxatives to help them have bowel movements, they should work with their doctor to help them stop. Usually the colon’s natural ability to contract is restored after they stop using laxatives

Who is more likely to get constipated? Women People ages 65+ Pregnant women People taking pain relieving medications People who have recently had a surgery

Quiz I need to have a bowel movement at least once per day.

Quiz ◦ False ◦ It is normal for people to have a bowel movement from up to 3 times per day to 3 times per week.

Quiz What are some of the diet changes people can make to help relieve constipation? ◦ A – eat lots of meat to increase protein levels ◦ B – eat more dairy products, such as cheese ◦ C – eat a variety of high fiber fruits and vegetables ◦ D – drink 8 glasses of water each day

Quiz What are some of the diet changes people can make to help relieve constipation? ◦ A – eat lots of meat to increase protein levels ◦ B – eat more dairy products, such as cheese ◦ C – eat a variety of high fiber fruits and vegetables ◦ D – drink 8 glasses of water each day

Quiz Exercising helps improve bowel function.

Quiz ◦ True

Quiz What things can a person do to relieve their constipation before seeking medical help?

Quiz ◦ Increase level of physical activity ◦ Get grams of fiber per day ◦ Make sure you are drinking enough water

Questions

Goals

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