The shape of human stools differs from person to person and from day to day in the same person. The amount of water in the stool—which depends on how much fibre it contains—is the main determinant of size and bulk. Water and fibre cause the stool to expand and become soft, making it easy to pass as the walls of the intestine push it along. When the stool does not contain enough water and fibre, it becomes small and hard, and is difficult to pass. This is called being constipated. The “ideal” stool is light in texture, over four inches long, and passes quickly out of the body. Less healthy stools are rounded, hard, and may feel as if they are stuck.
#2 Is it unhealthy not to go once a day?
Kim has a bowel movement once every two or three days. She passes stool easily and is not constipated. She wants to know if this is a sign that something may be wrong.
Kim has no need to worry. Some people just go more frequently than others. For some, three times a week is “normal” and for others, three times a day. Provided Kim is not constipated, her less-than-daily habit is just fine. This said, some people just don’t feel “right” if they don’t have a daily bowel movement. If this is the case, then drinking more fluids and upping daily fibre intake by consuming plenty of whole grains, fruits and veggies, should result in more frequent bowel activity.
#3 Does everyone get gas? Is it safe to hold it in?
Sven suffers from gas (flatulence), which can become extremely uncomfortable at times. “I give a lot of boardroom presentations,” he says, “and sometimes have to grit my teeth and hold it for an hour or more. Is there any danger to that?”
To protect people’s health, the emperor Claudius purportedly passed a law making it legal to pass gas at banquets. Most doctors now agree that—while holding in gas is uncomfortable, it is rarely bad for the health. Everyone produces flatus (gas) as bacteria break down food in the intestines. Swallowed air also contributes to intestinal gas. The average number of times a person passes gas in a day is 14 and men don’t do it more than women (although many women would disagree...) Certain foods, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans, onions and dairy products, increase flatus production.
#4 Is there a natural way to get rid of hemorrhoids?
Thirty-one-year-old Lee, who participates in sports, has annoying hemorrhoids that she says are more “embarrassing” than painful. Not large enough to require surgery, they are still visible and upsetting to her.
Hemorrhoids, or varicose veins of the anus, tend to worsen when a person strains (e.g. during sporting activities), or pressure is created within the pelvic area through being pregnant or constipated. Making sure the diet is rich in fibre and water will help reduce pressure on the veins and prevent hemorrhoid flare-ups. If hemorrhoids are persistent or uncomfortable, Lee should contact her doctor to discuss the possibility of surgery to remove the problematic veins.
Holista Varivein™, a herbal supplement containing natural botanicals that help support the structure of veins, is helpful for hemorrhoids as well as varicose veins in the legs.
Varivein™contains diosmin, an anti-inflammatory substance derived from the bioflavonoid hesperidin, found in citrus rinds. Diosmin has been used for over 30 years to treat both varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Varivein™ should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or by those with impaired heart, kidney and/or liver function.
If, despite attention to diet, hemorrhoids flare up, PreparationH® will soothe and shrink the inflamed area. Preparation H ® is available as a soothing ointment or cream, or in suppository format.