Tips for a good bowel function
Do you have problems with your stomach and intestines during weight loss and difficulty going to the toilet? This is usually caused by the sudden transition from an unhealthy (high fat and/or sugar) diet to a healthy diet with lots of vegetables, fruit and fiber. Your body is not used to this and it can react violently.
A number of factors are very important for proper bowel function: fiber, moisture and exercise. If these factors are in balance, you will have good, regular and soft stools.
Fibres
Fiber is very important for proper bowel function. If you get too little of this, your intestines cannot function properly. The fibers ensure that the mass in your intestines remains flexible. Fiber also provides a greater volume in your intestines. This allows your bowels to move more, making your bowel movements easier. Important products to take daily: whole grain products, vegetables and fruit.
Moisture
If you eat a lot of fiber, it is important that you also drink enough. If you do not do this, all the fibers can accumulate in your intestines and cause even more complaints. Therefore, drink at least 1.5 liters of fluid a day.
Movement
By exercising a lot, you stimulate your bowels to keep moving and get to work. If you move too little, your bowels will also move more slowly and you can become constipated. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Walking or running can really help to get your bowels going.
Other tips
Your intestinal discomfort due to a changed (healthier) eating pattern will go away on its own. If you make sure that you drink enough and exercise, you can reduce the complaints. But are there any other tips?
- You often hear that drinking a glass of lukewarm water on an empty stomach or eating 3 kiwis on an empty stomach can relieve constipation. You could try this.
- Eat regularly and do not skip breakfast. After all, breakfast ensures that your bowels get back to work after a long night.
- If you feel the urge, go to the toilet immediately.
- If you really have complaints, use extra fiber in the form of, for example, bran or linseed.
If you really have a lot of problems with your intestines, it can sometimes help to use probiotics. Do your complaints persist and are your diet and the amount of exercise correct? Then visit your doctor.
