Bowel Movement Problems Are Indicative Of Poor Digestive Health

You probably would refrain from discussing your bowel movement problems with others as you feel embarrassed over them. An inability to digest food properly with efficiency and ease can have a major impact on how you live. When digestion becomes compromised because of poor diet, infection, parasites, or other factors, you can suffer from debilitating symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, extreme discomfort, and total inconvenience. Hence, the benefits of healthy digestion are numerous. They include reduced pain, increased energy levels, improved mental clarity, greater physical well being, and many more wellness attributes.

Bowel movement problems can be telling of how well your digestive system is functioning. Three factors are used in stool determination: color, consistency, and frequency.

Color. The color of stool can be indicative of bowel movement problems. The following colors depict much about your digestive and dietary habits:
Pale – Pale stool can be caused by some medications. If you do not have it as a result of medication, it indicates a lack of bile. A lack of bile can be caused by a blockage of the bile duct, resulting in bowel movement problems.
Green – Unless you are consuming a great deal of green leafy vegetables or some other highly colored green food, a green color can be indicative that stools are passing through your body too quickly. Hence, green means that the bile is not given sufficient time to break down. This is often the case with diarrhea, a major bowel movement problem with many.
Yellow - This color generally indicates an excess of fat in the stool, a possible sign of an absorption problem.
Black – Black stool can be produced by some foods and supplements. It can also indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
Bright Red – There are some highly colored food additives and coloring that can produce bright red stool. It can also be produced by lower intestinal bleeding.

Consistency. Pencil thin, narrow stools can indicate a blockage. Stools that sink quickly can be a sign of insufficient fiber in your diet. Loose stools can be caused by many digestive and dietary diseases, resulting in bowel movement problems.

Frequency. Experts cannot agree what should the appropriate frequency of bowel movements be. Some experts say that the number of meals a day should equal the number of bowel movements. Others believe that a daily bowel movement is a sign of good bowel health. Some doctors disagree, claiming that you should not worry if you do not have a bowel movement every day. However, most experts agree that infrequent bowel movements are often caused by a diet high in refined flour and sugar.

Healthy bowel output is indicative that you have little to worry about. It is a sign that you have a proper functioning digestive system and that your meals have been well absorbed and assimilated as well. In contrast, if you are not suffering from bowel movement problems, you should look for ways to improve your digestion. Poor digestive health can result in chronic ailments that can only be worsened if you continue to take drug medications. Bowel movement problems are a very common experience. Consult your health care provider immediately.