Thursday, July 31, 2014

What Irregular Bowel Movements Are Telling You

2. Leaky stool
What it means: Runny stools can signal several issues: infection, virus, intolerance (to lactose-rich dairy foods, for example) or a gastrointestinal condition like colitis (inflammation of the colon) or Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestinal tract.

It's more common after childbirth or as we get older, says Dr. Sheth.

"During childbirth, women may experience small tears in the sphincter muscles that keep stool inside. As these muscles weaken with age, in the 40s and beyond, women may have more [leakage]."

You can strengthen the muscles around the rectum by practicing tightening them. That's usually done in a biofeedback program, says Dr. Sheth, a process during which a machine monitors changes in the body, like muscle tension.

Lack of fiber could also be a factor.

You may need more roughage to bulk up your poo, says Kevin Dolehide, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, Ill., and assistant professor of medicine at Midwestern University in Downer's Grove, Ill.

When to worry: If you know it's the flu, stay well hydrated, says Dr. Dolehide. If not, and it lasts more than a day, see your doctor to determine the cause.

3. Black or red poo
What it means: Certain medicines – such as Pepto-Bismol and iron supplements – can turn poo black.

Red in the stools may be the calling card from beets or tomato sauce.

If blood is causing the color, it could mean hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding or even cancer.

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