Fecal Incontinence

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What Is Fecal Incontinence

The term Fecal Incontinence refers to involuntary bowel movements. Fecal Incontinence often derives from having gas that leads to the loss of stool control and unintentional bowel movements. The combination of nerves and muscles, and how they communicate, plays a major role in how bowel movements are controlled. The digestion system consists of both the small and large intestine and work in conjunction with each other. The Rectum stores the stool, while the Sphincter is the circular band of voluntary or involuntary muscles that surrounds the opening of the anus. The External Sphincter consists of the voluntary muscles that allow you to control the stool. Fecal Incontinence can occur when one or more parts of the digestive system that controls eliminating waste is impaired and hindered from performing its usual function.

Signs Of Fecal Incontinence

There are some occasions when one might experience anal leakage or a situation that is similar to Fecal Incontinence. When it becomes a reoccurring issue, it may be a sign of Fecal Incontinence. When the condition is present, stool, mucus, and/or other bodily fluids may involuntarily leave the anus area. The reoccurrence of the matter is typically the only sign for Fecal Incontinence. Because Fecal Incontinence can occur for different reasons, it’s important to consider all the factors of your current health. When it comes to Fecal Incontinence some of the signs can often be the cause of the condition when they’re excessive.

Loss of Control of bowels or gas
Anal Itching
Inability to hold bowel movements
Skin Infection in buttocks area
Passive Soiling (nothing felt to indicate that a bowel movement is about to occur)
Anus Irritation
Chronic Diarrhea
Consistent Constipation
Urinary Incontinence occurring
Consistent Gas and Bloating
Abdominal pain or cramps

What Causes Fecal Incontinence

Fecal Incontinence is caused by nerve and muscle damage to the anus area. The damage could develop from underlying conditions or from different circumstances one may experience. Most of the underlying conditions that cause Fecal Incontinence are often health ailments that affect the nerves. Some of the causes are similar to the signs and symptoms that may appear ahead of time. Anytime a condition involves the digestive system, diet is likely to play a role in why it occurs. Fecal Incontinence can also develop from older age, as it is more common for women and those who are 65 and older to experience it.

Vaginal Childbirth
Overuse of Laxatives
Parasite Infection
Poor Hygiene
Hemorrhoids
Medication
Anal Sex
Lack of Room in Rectum
Loss of elasticity of anus
Pelvic Injury
Surgery complications
Poor Diet
Alzheimer’s Disease
Rectal Prolapse
Rectocele (tissue wall between the rectum and vagina weakens)
Anal Cancer
Stroke
Multiple Sclerosis
Spinal Cord Injury
Conditions Related to the digestive system (Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Chronic Diarrhea (easier for stool to leave rectum involuntarily)
Consistent Constipation (weakens muscles of anus)
Diabetes
Radiation (from prostate treatments)

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

There should always be a diet intervention whenever you’re trying to heal an issue within the digestive system. Those with Fecal Incontinence should avoid eating foods that contribute to diarrhea or constipation. Things like dairy, cured meats, spicy foods, or fried foods often change the texture of stool. It’s best to consume fibrous foods like cauliflower, broccoli, raspberries, apples, and bananas. Eating fibrous foods helps maintain the stool's thickness without causing constipation. It’s also best to eliminate consuming alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners. The body processes these foods as if they are laxatives, which alter the bowel movements.
Bowel training is one remedy that helps reestablish control of bowel movements. There are rehabilitating professionals that teach specific skills and strategies that help the body develop routines in order to predict bowel movements. Bowel training mainly focuses on trying to have bowel movements at certain times of the day, establishing a regular time for eliminating waste.
Keeping a track record of the foods you consume throughout the course of the day could be helpful. This helps those with Fecal Incontinence identify which foods exactly cause gas or bowel changes like diarrhea. People often overlook foods that they’re accustomed to eating, not knowing whether or not it contributes to the issue. Keeping record is a great way to pin point foods that help with Incontinence and the foods that don’t. We also recommend taking note of when bowel movements are under control and when they’re involuntarily.
Consuming the suggested eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day at a minimum helps supply your body with the proper amount of hydration it needs. Water is key when it comes to bodily functions and how it repairs itself. Consuming a lot of water can help repair damaged muscles and the elasticity of the skin. When it comes to Fecal Incontinence, consuming the proper amount of water helps keep the stool at firm texture.
Pelvic or Kegel exercises can help recondition the strength of the rectum muscles as well. Engaging in these kind of exercises helps control bowel movements, addressing Fecal Incontinence first hand. One useful exercise is tightening the pelvic floor muscles while lying down, holding the contraction for three seconds on and off. It’s important that you relax the other muscles in your body like the buttocks, legs and abdomen when doing any pelvic exercises.

Things you should eat