Fecal Incontinence Dietary fiber (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, or high fiber cereals) or over-the-counter fiber supplements can help make stools more formed, resulting in more complete passage during bowel movements and improved evacuation of stools.
High-fiber foods, like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains, can help make bowel movements easier if your incontinence is related to constipation or hemorrhoids.
Conclusions: Both loperamide and psyllium improve fecal incontinence. Loperamide was associated with more adverse effects, especially constipation.
If constipation is causing your fecal incontinence, your doctor may recommend laxatives, stool softeners link, or fiber supplements such as psyllium link (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel). Depending on the cause, over-the-counter medicines can help reduce or relieve your fecal incontinence.
If you are not used to taking psyllium, it is best to begin with a low dose (such as 1/2 tsp. in an 8 oz. glass of water once a day), then gradually increase the dose as needed. Your health care provider may recommend higher doses of psyllium to treat certain conditions.
Psyllium (Metamucil, Fybogel, generics) – One teaspoonful of psyllium twice daily is often recommended for constipation, so why use it for diarrhea? The answer is that it has a water-holding effect in the intestines that may help bulk up watery stool. Some doctors recommend it for the variable bowel habit of IBS.
Avoid foods that increase your risk of bowel incontinence like alcohol and caffeine, prunes and some fruit juices, spicy foods, dairy products, beans, smoked meats, and artificial sweeteners. Then begin to eat more bananas, apple sauce, peanut butter, pasta, potatoes, and cheese. These will slow down and thicken stool.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient for optimal muscle function. A deficiency in vitamin D puts you at a high risk of experiencing pelvic muscle floor disorders like fecal incontinence. You can take a test to determine your vitamin D levels through a blood test in a hospital.
If the muscles of the rectum are not as elastic as they should be, excess stool that builds up can leak out. Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease) can also affect the rectum's ability to stretch. The scars resulting from surgery and radiation therapy can also stiffen the muscles of the rectum.
Insoluble fiber appears to speed the passage of foods through the stomach and intestines and adds bulk to the stool. It is found in foods such as wheat bran, vegetables and whole grains. Fiber is very important to a healthy diet and can be a helpful aid in weight management.
High-Fiber Foods
Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes such as beans and lentils. The fiber found in citrus fruits and legumes stimulates the growth of colonic flora, which increases the stool weight and the amount of bacteria in the stool.
If you are looking for a natural and minimally processed supplement, psyllium husk may be a better option for you. If you prefer a more convenient and flavored supplement, Metamucil may be a better fit.
Taking fiber supplements every day seems to be safe. Popular fiber supplements include inulin, psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) and methylcellulose (Citrucel). Fiber is good for the body. It helps the bowel work well and prevents constipation.
Unlike the other laxatives, psyllium is safe and gentle enough to use every day.
Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. The muscle or nerve damage may be associated with aging or with giving birth. Whatever the cause, fecal incontinence can be difficult to discuss. But don't shy away from talking to your doctor about this common problem.
Laxatives. Laxative treatment (e.g. lactulose, a galactose‐fructose disaccharide) is used most often in elderly people, to treat faecal incontinence associated with constipation or faecal impaction.
In some cases, yes. You and your ob-gyn may choose a medication that fits your situation and that can best control your bowel leakage. Some over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms. Stronger medications that treat diarrhea, control gas leakage, or prevent constipation may be prescribed.
Sit, stand or lie with your knees slightly apart. Tighten and pull up the sphincter muscles as tightly as you can. Hold tightened for at least five seconds, then relax for about 4 seconds. Repeat five times.