Eating and Bowel Control
Some bowel control problems improve simply by changing what—and how much—you eat and drink. Common foods and drinks linked to diarrhea and bowel control problems include
- dairy products such as milk, cheese, or ice cream
- foods and drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, or chocolate
- cured or smoked meats such as sausage, ham, or turkey
- spicy foods
- alcoholic beverages
- fruits such as apples, peaches, or pears
- fatty and greasy foods
- sweeteners in diet drinks and sugarless gum and candy, including sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and fructose
Dietary changes that may improve bowel control problems include the following:
- Eating the right amount of fiber. For many people, fiber adds bulk to their stool and makes it softer and easier to control. Fiber can help with diarrhea and constipation. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Fiber supplements sold in a pharmacy or health food store are another common source of fiber to treat bowel control problems. A normal diet should include 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day. Fiber should be added to the diet slowly to avoid bloating.
- Getting plenty to drink. Drinking eight, 8-ounce glasses of liquid a day may help prevent constipation. Water is a good choice. Drinks with caffeine, alcohol, milk, or carbonation should be avoided if they trigger diarrhea.
Keeping a Food Diary
A food diary can help identify foods that cause bowel control problems. A food diary should list foods eaten, portion size, and when bowel control problems occur. After a few days, the diary may show a link between certain foods and bowel control problems. Eating less of foods linked to bowel control problems may improve symptoms. A food diary can also be helpful to a health care provider treating a person with bowel control problems.
Page last updated: July 15, 2011
