Is Your Poop Normal?

How To Keep Stool Healthy

To keep stool healthy, experts suggest patients increase their fiber intake. High-fiber foods give the stool more bulk, and they can help improve the regularity of bowel movements. Beans, peas, lentils, oats, grapes, and apples are recommended, and patients should aim to increase their fiber intake slowly to avoid bloating and gas. Regular physical activity helps prevent constipation, and patients are encouraged to practice healthy stress management to promote bowel health. It is beneficial to schedule a regular time each day for having a bowel movement. In fact, most individuals with healthy bowels have bowel movements at roughly the same time each day. When choosing this time, patients should ensure they select one that is unhurried. The colon is especially active in the morning and immediately after meals, so attempting to have a bowel movement after breakfast may be ideal.

Some experts believe the angle at which a person empties their bowels may play a role in stool health, too. A straight anorectal angle helps patients empty their bowels more easily. When using a Western-style toilet, placing something underneath the feet to provide support naturally moves this angle into a straighter position. The support should be about six inches tall. Patients should monitor the health of their stool regularly, and they should discuss any changes in stool consistency or color with their physician. In particular, patients should seek medical attention if they notice blood in the stool or if they have persistent or severe abdominal pain.