[ad_1]
If you ever have to undergo diagnostic tests for a treatment, you may be asked to have a stool test because stool can provide valuable information about how your body is functioning. What your body expels, or in many cases simply refuses, can help doctors understand whether a person is following a healthy diet.
The shocking consequences of ignoring your potty schedule
Maintaining a healthy bowel movement schedule is essential for overall health, however, not everyone can maintain it due to constipation, a digestive issue that can lead to irregular and often painful bowel movements. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Raunak Tate, gastroenterology consultant at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital in Vashi, shared, “The problem of constipation has become ubiquitous across the world due to changing lifestyles. However, we need to understand that even though some health issue may become common, it is not classified as ‘normal’ or ‘benign’.”
He stressed, “It should not be ignored as it requires adequate and timely treatment. This applies to constipation which affects both children and adults, including older persons. Constipation is undoubtedly related to low frequency of bowel movements, difficulty in bowel movement and spending too much time on the toilet; but it is also about foul-smelling gas and equally loud belching. When this happens in public places, the person can become the object of ridicule, affecting his self-esteem.”
More than 30% of adults who suffer from constipation have developed the condition in childhood, but it remains untreated due to lack of awareness about its negative effects. Dr Ronak Tate explains, “Piles, fissures, anal fistula, hernia and rectal prolapse are the results of prolonged severe constipation, for which many people need surgery. In women, pregnancy and menstruation can cause hormonal fluctuations and affect their bowel movements, this can usually be treated with minimal intervention. However, if constipation persists, medical help should be sought as soon as possible.”
Is Your Lifestyle Ruining Your Belly?
Recent studies have shown that gastrointestinal disorders like constipation can also be linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Parkinson’s disease, depression and dementia. According to Dr. Ronak Tate, “Constipation can also be a sign of early colon cancer. If more people resort to proper treatment for constipation, the quality of life can be greatly improved and the number of surgical interventions will decrease; not to mention that many colon-related malignancies can be diagnosed in their early stages. In most cases, constipation has become a symbol of a sedentary lifestyle, where people are more inclined to eat poorly prepared non-nutritious food from outside.”
He explained, “Symptoms of indigestion, acidity, bloating, acid reflux and chest pain are associated with unhealthy lifestyles, including diet, sleep, stress, lack of exercise, etc. Our diet requires fibre and proper hydration, without adequate amounts of both of these, it will be difficult to maintain a normal bowel schedule. However, many times, constipation is a deeper problem that cannot be treated if proper awareness is not created about it. There are a lot of videos and advertisements on social media about “lifestyle management” measures to help individuals suffering from constipation, but this advice should not be taken seriously. Chronic constipation or gastrointestinal problems should be treated as early as possible.”
Our bowel movement says a lot about the functioning of our body and hence we must listen to it. Don’t let the saying ‘health is wealth’ remain just a saying.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.
[ad_2]
