BENGALURU: I am 24 years old. I don’t have a regular bowel movement. I go to the loo once in four days. Though I don’t feel uneasy since I am already used to it, is it something to worry about? I do get regular breakouts though. Have tried drinking water and taking fruits, it does not help much. What can I do?
Bowel movement frequency varies among people and is dependent on the fibre content of the food taken. If a person is not affected by an infrequent bowel movement and has no ill-effects because of it - then there is no need to worry. However if a person feels bloated, lacks appetite, has lost weight or has abnormal blood results; he/ she needs further evaluation. Taking high fibre diet ( Fruits, salads, sprouts and greens) and following a regular toilet hygiene helps in having a regular bowel habit
I am in my late fifties. Every time I go out and dine I start having diarrhea. Even eating on occassions cause my stomach to bloat. I am also a diabetic patient. What is wrong with my digestive system? Does it have anything to do with diabetes?
Long-term diabetes leads to abnormalities of the nerves and when nerves supplying the intestines are affected, one tends to have either constipation or repeated diarrhea. This is primarily due to improper or uncoordinated intestinal movements leading to areas of stasis and bacterial overgrowth. However, one also has to look at other causes of recurrent diarrhea and it is better to get yourself evaluated.
Every month during my periods I have a constant need to go the bathroom for number two. I also suffer from uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, headache, gastric, etc. What causes these and why do I have to use the loo so much during periods?
Menstruation is associated with changes in the hormonal levels and release of various chemicals - cytokines and these are responsible for the symptoms associated with menstruation. The levels of the chemicals and the sensitivity to these chemicals vary among people and hence is the variability in the symptoms. Rarely there can also be deposits of the endometrial tissue ( Inner lining of uterus) on the intestine and this tissue responds to hormonal changes just like the uterus causing painful constipation / loose stools during periods. If the issue is significant contact your doctor for further work up.
Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road