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Published on: 3/5/2025

What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Prevent Incomplete Bowel Movements?

Eating more fiber, drinking ample water, and getting regular exercise can help your body have complete bowel movements.

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Explanation

Making a few lifestyle changes may help prevent the feeling of incomplete bowel movements, which is a common issue with constipation. First, try to add more fiber to your meals by eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Fiber helps make the stool softer and easier to pass through the intestines. Second, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps the fiber do its job and moves waste through your system. Third, regular physical activity such as walking or playing outside keeps your muscles active, including those in your stomach and intestines, which can help digestion work better. It can also be useful to set a regular time each day for a bathroom break. By making these small changes, your body may start to feel better and reduce the sensation of incomplete bowel movements. Remember, these lifestyle choices are part of a nutritional and physical approach to managing constipation and improving bowel habits.

(References)

  • Bellini M, Tonarelli S, Barracca F, Rettura F, Pancetti A, Ceccarelli L, Ricchiuti A, Costa F, de Bortoli N, Marchi S, Rossi A. Chronic Constipation: Is a Nutritional Approach Reasonable? Nutrients. 2021 Sep 26;13(10):3386. doi: 10.3390/nu13103386. PMID: 34684388; PMCID: PMC8538724.

  • Jani B, Marsicano E. Constipation: Evaluation and Management. Mo Med. 2018 May-Jun;115(3):236-240. PMID: 30228729; PMCID: PMC6140151.

  • Sharma A, Rao SSC, Kearns K, Orleck KD, Waldman SA. Review article: diagnosis, management and patient perspectives of the spectrum of constipation disorders. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2021 Jun;53(12):1250-1267. doi: 10.1111/apt.16369. Epub 2021 Apr 28. PMID: 33909919; PMCID: PMC8252518.

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