Healthy digestion
Everybody is different - and this is true of digestion too! Different
people have different digestive rhythms; our bodies change
over time and react to events around us. Because the digestive
process is so complex,
and the colon (the lower part of our digestive system) is such
a sensitive organ, we may experience changes in our digestion
and wonder if this is
normal. This section looks at what are considered healthy,
normal digestion patterns. Of course, your health care professional
is the best person to
advise you if you notice any sudden changes, or if you experience
discomfort or pain.
Your body's individual rhythm
In the past, many people believed that having one bowel movement a day was essential to good health. Modern medicine has shown, however, that this is not the case. Some healthy people have only three bowel movements a week; some have one a day, some more than one a day. All of these can be considered normal and healthy.
Regularity: what's normal?
The checklist below presents the three main points for defining freedom from constipation:
- Bowels open three times a week or more?
- Defecation occurs without needing to strain?
- Stools usually relatively soft?
A "yes" answer to all these questions indicates normal bowel function. Please speak to your pharmacist or doctor about your digestion concerns, especially if you experience pain, notice blood or mucus in your stools, or if there is any sudden change in your digestion that lasts for more than one week.
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