Normal vs Abnormal Bowel Movement: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You
The bowel movement of the human body is an important and natural process. Bowel movement is how your body eliminates waste after eating. Despite the fact that many people are embarrassed to discuss bowel movements, bowel habits can provide very important information about digestion. The body will feel light and energetic when bowel movements are healthy. If it’s not normal, you may experience bloating or discomfort.
You can take better care of your digestion by understanding the differences between normal bowel movements and those that are abnormal. Explain this clearly and slowly.
What is a Bowel Movement?
When food waste is digested and leaves the body, it causes a bowel motion. The body takes nutrients after food has passed through the stomach, intestines and colon. Wastage is what remains. What remains is waste.
A healthy digestion is when stool passes through your intestines smoothly and without any pain. The process of digestion should be easy and natural.
How Do You Describe a Normal Bowel Movement?
Normal bowel movements are not the same. Some people have bowel movements every day, while others go more than twice a week. These can all be considered normal if your body is comfortable.
When is a bowel motion considered normal?
- The stool passes without any pain
- The stool is formed but soft
- No need to strain
- After going, you feel empty
- No blood, mucus or strong smell
- Most of the routine is similar
The normal stool is usually brown and looks either smooth or cracked. The stool does not seem to float or feel rock hard.
How Often Is Normal?
The frequency of bowel movements is not a fixed rule. Normal is:
- Every day
- Every two days
- Every day, two times
Comfort and consistency are more important than the number. Your bowel movements are likely to be normal if you feel good and go every day.
What is an abnormal bowel movement?
A bowel movement that is abnormal occurs when the usual pattern of a bowel motion changes or causes discomfort. The change can be temporary or permanent.
The following symptoms may be present in abnormal bowel movements:
- Difficulty in passing stool
- The stool is very hard or loose
- Sudden change in frequency
- Burning, pain, or cramping sensation
- Feeling incomplete after going
- Blood or mucus found in the stool
The digestive system may not be working properly if you notice these signs.
Abnormal Bowel Movements: Types and Symptoms (Explained in a Clear Way)
1. Constipation
Constipation occurs when stools become hard, dry and difficult to pass. The bowel movement can be less than three times per week. Many people feel heavy or bloated.
Low water intake, low fibre intake, stress and poor habits are all common causes.
2. Diarrhoea
The term diarrhoea is used to describe loose, watery stools that occur many times per day. This can cause dehydration and weakness.
It can be caused by stress, stomach upset, intolerance to food, infection or other factors.
3. Irregular Bowel Movement
Constipation can be followed by diarrhoea in some people. The digestive system may be sensitive.
This pattern is often caused by stress, anxiety and bad eating habits.
4. The Painful Bowel Movement
It is abnormal to experience pain when passing stools. The pain may be described as a burning sensation, pressure, or tearing. The pain can cause people to avoid using the bathroom, making the situation worse.
Dryness, hard stools, and irritation in the rectum can cause pain.
5. Incomplete Bowel Movement
You may experience this when it feels like you still have a stoma in your bowels after going. It can cause discomfort and frequent toilet trips.
This is often the case when digestion or stool movements are slow.
What are Normal Colour Changes?
The normal stool colour is dark brown.
The following are examples of abnormal colours:
- The stool is very pale, or even clay colored
- Black stools (not due to food)
- Blood or red streaks
- Green stool lasts for many days
It is normal for food to change colour occasionally, but longer-lasting changes are not acceptable.
What causes abnormal bowel movements?
Abnormal bowel movement may happen due to:
- Water intake is low
- Low fibre diet
- Processed or junk foods
- Stress and anxiety
- Poor sleep
- Physical inactivity
- You should ignore toilet urges
Gut health is highly sensitive to your lifestyle.
How To Maintain Normal Bowel Movement
To keep bowel movement normal:
- Water is essential for daily consumption
- Eat fibre-rich foods
- Take your meals at the appointed time
- Every day, walk or move.
- Reduce stress
- When you have the urge to go, do so.
Simple habits create strong digestion.
When should you be concerned?
If:
- Bowel habits can change abruptly and for a long time
- Blood in the stool
- The pain is intense
- Losing weight is not a good thing
- The duration of constipation and diarrhoea can last for many weeks
The following signs require medical attention.
Why normal bowel movement important
A normal bowel movement means:
- Good digestion
- Healthy gut
- Absorption of nutrients
- Better energy
- Clear skin
- Feel better
The whole body is affected by the gut.
FAQs
1. What is normal if you miss a day of bowel movements?
It can be normal if it’s what you do regularly and you are comfortable with it.
2. Is straining during bowel movement normal?
Constipation and dryness are often the cause of straining.
3. Which type of stool is best for health?
The stool is smooth and soft, with a good shape.
4. Stress and bowel movements
Stress directly impacts digestion and bowel movements.
5. Does bowel motion happen in the mornings?
Not everyone. Regularity and comfort are important.