Bowel continence is not something that most people give any thought to.
It's like breathing, we don't think about it unless we have difficulty catching a breath.
The same holds true with bowel continence, we don't give it a second thought unless we become constipated and then we recognize it as a problem.
What you probably don't know is the impact that constipation can have on other body functions.
The inability to pass a stool creates internal pressures and is one of the causes of urinary incontinence.
The pressure required to pass a stool while constipated can also damage the lining of the rectum and create hemorrhoids as well.
Maybe it's a good idea to understand just how the bowel system works to better appreciate its importance to a healthy body.
It's obvious that if you could not pass waste material you would be in big trouble.
Just like the plumbing in your house, if there is a clog then at some point the plumbing no longer is functional.
Unlike your plumbing, the clog can also create a septic condition which can have serious medical consequences.
The lower intestine is designed to remove liquids from the waste and create a stool.
When this occurs a message is sent to the brain that it is time to pass the waste and at the same time opens an internal sphincter that will allow passage of the stool from the colon to the anal canal.
This is when you get the feeling that it's time to go.
Regular bowel movements are required to maintain this system.
The best way to ensure regular movements is by eating a healthy diet rich in dietary fiber.
Problems occur when there simply is not enough fiber to facilitate the movement of waste.
This fiber is what pushes along the material that can not easily be broken down in your intestine like red meat.
Eating healthy and exercise are the best ways to encourage bowel continence and a healthy digestive system.
Don't wait for your body's "check engine light" to come on before you think about your bowel health.