Friday, March 20, 2009

Bowel movements and colon cancer

Bowel movements and colon cancer?
Does holding in bowel movements always lead to colon cancer? If so, how can this be prevented from happening? Also, does anyone know of a good colon cleanser that I can buy at a local pharmacy chain?
Cancer - 3 Answers
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1 :
You should be having a bowel movement at least once a day, more often if your diet is high in fiber, fruits and vegetables. There is no logical reason why anyone would want to "hold" a bowel movement except to teach your bowel not to work correctly. It does not cause colon cancer directly but your diet is a contributing factor to colon cancer. No one needs a colon cleanser. Your bowel is a naturally self-cleaning organ and if you put the right things in there - lots of water, fresh fruits and vegetables (both cooked and raw) and high fiber breads, there will never be a need for any colon cleanser. The use of these promotes poor bowel function later in your life and you don't want a bowel that can't work without chemicals.
2 :
Holding BMs doesn't cause colon cancer but it does cause constipation and hemorrhoids. It is better to go when you have to go than hold it. If you just need a stool softner you can easily find those in the pharmacy under laxitives. That would be the first step as people get habituated on laxitives. Do drink a lot of fluids and add fiber to your diet. Fiber supplements are also usually found under laxitives. You really need to keep up with your fluids for this to work well. You can also get some bran and sprinkle it on just about anything. It gives a crunch to things and no unpleasant taste. Keep up or increase your exercise. All of these things are important to a healthy bowel program. If you have to use a laxitive be careful what you use. Some are really harsh and cause bad cramps. Mirilax is a new one on the market for over the counter use. It has been used only by Rx. I have no idea why. It is a sort of powder that you put in any liquid. It does not have a taste and usually works without cramps. There are other things to do but unless all else fails I would not recommend them. Enemas are one thing and suppositories are another. If your bowel habits change without reason, like holding it or stomach flu, that is a danger sign. If there is blood in your BM that is another. Check the American Cancer Society website for all the danger signs for colon cancer. Regular colonoscopies after 55 are recommended. Not holding your BMs will solve most of your problems I think. If none of this works you really need to see an MD.
3 :
The others have given good answers, but I should clarify that constipation (which means overlong retention of excrement as well as difficulty passing it) almost certainly is a direct cause of constipation because of the increased intestinal auto-intoxication that results. For more information, I recommend browsing the colon health webring.

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