AND… THE HABITS TO AVOID
Alongside things to do more of, Dr Rakshit lists habits worth avoiding.
Doing the following could lead to issues like piles, or even worse, bowel cancer, she warns.
1. Never ignore the urge
Don’t put off going to the toilet when you feel the urge as delaying a bowel movement can contribute to constipation, says Dr Rakshit.
2. Don’t strain
Straining when passing stools, often a sign of constipation, can be caused by a low-fibre diet, dehydration, lack of exercise, certain medications or underlying medical conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Dr Rakshit said find the cause and treat it.
3. Ban your mobile
Taking your phone to the toilet might seem like a great source of entertainment, a good way to stay connected, or something to do while you wait.
But it can increase the time spent straining, leading to piles, bleeding and fissures, warns Dr Rakshit.
She adds: “It’s also very unhygienic.”
4. Meat alert
With red meat and processed meat shown to increase bowel cancer risk, Dr Rakshit recommends keeping this to a minimum.
She advises: “Ways in which to do this include having meat free days, swapping red meat with fish, chicken or beans, pulses or lentils and reducing your portion of red meat or processed meat to less than 70g per day.”
Bowel red flags to look out for
JUST as important as looking after your bowel health is spotting any serious underlying conditions.
Dr Rakshit says to look out for the following:
- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea and constipation, that lasts more than three weeks.
- Bleeding from the bottom or passing blood in stools
- Unintentional weight loss
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- A lump in the abdomen
If you experience any of these symptoms, speak to your GP.
