Fecal Incontinence Treatment: Learn Natural Ways to Control Your Bowels
Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of stool. It is a fairly common problem and can be embarrassing, leading to depression, and social isolation.
Common causes of fecal incontinence:
Muscle Damage (internal and/or external sphincter)
Sphincters are ring-like muscles at the end of the rectum and are responsible for keeping stool inside. When damaged, the sphincters are not strong enough and stool can leak out. Damage often happens after giving birth vaginally, especially if the delivery involved forceps or if the woman required an episiotomy. Hemorrhoid surgery can also cause the sphincters to be damaged.
Damage to the external sphincter typically causes “urgent incontinence” (the need to rush to the bathroom) and damage to the internal sphincter normally causes passive soiling or leakage.
Chronic Constipation
Constipation causes large, hard stools to lodge in the rectum, allowing watery stool to leak out. It can also cause the muscles to stretch and weaken so they can not hold stool in the rectum.
Diarrhea
With diarrhea, stool fills the rectum at a fast rate. It is more difficult to control loose stool than solid stool. Stool leakage is even common in people with diarrhea who don’t have fecal incontinence.
Nerve Damage
When sensory nerves are damaged, people are unaware stool is in the rectum so they will not feel the need to go to the bathroom until the stool leaks out. Childbirth, a long history of straining to pass stool, and diseases like multiple sclerosis can cause nerve damage.
Natural Fecal Incontinence Treatment
Diet
Keep a food diary. Write down what and how much you eat so when you have an episode of fecal incontinence you can identify foods that may be causing the problem.
Eat adequate amounts of fiber, 20-30 grams a day. Fiber adds bulk to watery stools. It can also help hard, dry stools. If your stools are well-formed, too much fiber can cause diarrhea. If you are not use to eating this much fiber, slowly add it to your diet to prevent bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Foods and beverages that typically cause diarrhea include:
- products containing caffeine
- alcoholic beverages
- artificial sweeteners
- fruits, such as pears, apples, and peaches
- dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and ice cream
- spicy foods
- cured or smoked meat
- fatty and greasy foods.
Foods that make stool bulkier include:
- smooth peanut butter
- bananas
- rice
- bread
- oatmeal
- pasta
- tapioca
- potatoes.
People with fecal incontinence should eat small meals more frequently. Large meals may cause the bowels to contract, leading to diarrhea. You can eat the same amount each day, just space it out.
Don’t drink with meals. Fluids move food through the digestive tract. To slow things down, drink 30 minutes before or after meals.
Drink adequate amounts of fluids. To help prevent dehydration and keep your stool soft and formed, drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids a day, preferably water.
Bowel Training
Bowel training can help some individuals relearn how to control their bowels. One type of training involves strengthening the muscles. Another type of training involves teaching your bowels to empty at a certain time of the day.
Biofeedback
As the individual performs special exercises (Kegels) to improve rectal sensation and strengthen the rectum, computer equipment (via small sensors placed on the abdomen and anus) measures muscle contractions. This shows if the exercises are being done correctly and if the muscles are getting stronger.
Developing a Regular Pattern
The individual will establish a set time that is convenient for them for daily bowel movements. 20-40 minutes after eating is usually best because food stimulates bowel activity. Digital stimulation, a suppository, or a warm cup of prune juice can help trigger a bowel movement.
For best results from fecal incontinence treatment, it is important to determine the cause.
Disclaimer
Please read this disclaimer regarding the information contained within this article.
This post is part of the series: Other Bowel Problems
Natural remedies for bowel problems.