Frequent Bowel Movements

Frequent bowel movements in a person are dependent on what are regular bowel movements for the person. Bowel movements vary widely in healthy people. Some people have one bowel movement per day, whereas there are others who have bowel movements thrice a week. At the same time, frequency of bowel movements for a person is different over certain period of time.

Frequent Bowel Movements

There is no rule when it comes to normal or regular bowel movements. The general and accepted range of frequency of bowel movements is 3 times a day to 3 times a week. If the number of bowel movements is less than three per week, it is an indication of constipation. At the same time, more than three watery stools indicate diarrhea. There is a possibility, that a person may have one bowel movement a day for a number of years and then the number of bowel movements may increase to two or three a day for no obvious reason. This is also considered to be normal, but will certainly mean that frequency of bowel movements for the person has undergone a change.

Causes

There are a number of reasons which can cause bowel movement problems. Let's see what they are.

• Change in Diet Pattern: Change in diet pattern very often leads to change in frequency of bowel movements. Increase in intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains increases the fiber intake, which causes increase in frequency of visits to the toilet.
• Exercise: Starting of a regular exercise regime or increasing exercise in general is also said to increase the frequency of bowel movements.
• Water: You will have to monitor your water and fluid intake. Increase in water and fluid intake is the most common cause of increase in bowel movements. Excess liquid in the large intestine can cause as many as ten bowel movements in a day.
• Mental Illness: Apart from the physical illness, mental illness including stress can cause increase in bowel movements. Often it is seen, that before a major exam, children experience change in bowel movements. It is, however, not limited to children only. Adults also suffer from a similar problem in case of increased anxiety or stress.
• Diarrhea: This is the most common cause of frequent bowel movements. It can be caused due to eating something which did not agree with your system. Food poisoning can also give rise to diarrhea. It can also be caused due to eating food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria or parasites.

Treatment

• The first step in treating the condition, is to check, if you have made any changes to your lifestyle.
• If you have started exercises, you will not want to make any changes then. After a few days, the problem will go away on its own.
• Taking the time required to fully finish a bowel movement, will help in reducing the frequency of bowel movements to a considerable extent. Even if you take about ten minutes, you should ensure you have finished your bowel movement.
• If you were not drinking sufficient amount of water previously and now you have started drinking 10 to 12 glasses, do not reconsider your decision. If you have started an exercise regime, you will need to consume more water than the standard.
• If increase in bowel movements becomes a regular feature, you may want to make sure you are drinking clean water and eating non-contaminated food.

You will have to visit your health care professional if you notice change in consistency, volume or appearance of your bowel movements, abdominal pain or blood, mucus or pus in your feces. This condition will require a thorough examination.

As I have already said, bowel movements differ for each individual, therefore increase in frequency is also different. You will have to assess the condition yourself, as it may help in treating the condition. If there are other symptoms displayed, do not waste time and visit your health care professional at the earliest.