Check your bowel health in five easy ways

Maintaining optimal bowel health is crucial for overall wellbeing, yet it's often overlooked until issues arise. Understanding how to monitor and maintain your digestive health can prevent discomfort and detect potential problems early.

In this article, we'll explore five straightforward methods to assess your bowel health and discuss how at-home testing can support proactive management.

1. Monitor your bowel movements

When was the last time you really looked at your stool? It may sound odd, but checking your bowel movements is a key step in monitoring digestive health. Pay attention to frequency, consistency, colour, and any changes over time.

Understanding the Bristol Stool Chart

The Bristol Stool Chart is a useful tool that categorises stool types to help identify potential issues. It categorises stool into seven types, ranging from hard, difficult-to-pass lumps to loose or watery stools.

Type 1: Hard lumps, difficult to pass – may indicate constipation.
Type 2: Lumpy and sausage-like – mild constipation.
Type 3: Sausage-shaped with cracks – normal stool.
Type 4: Smooth and soft – considered the ideal stool type.
Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges – may indicate lack of fibre.
Type 6: Mushy consistency with ragged edges – mild diarrhoea.
Type 7: Watery with no solid pieces – severe diarrhoea, possibly due to infection.

By identifying where your stool falls on the chart, you can make dietary and lifestyle adjustments to support better digestive health. If you frequently experience Types 1 or 7, it may be a sign to consult a healthcare professional.

2. Pay attention to digestive symptoms

Beyond bowel movements, be mindful of other digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, or discomfort. These can be signs of various gastrointestinal disorders.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects the intestines and presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Although the exact cause is unknown, factors like stress, poor sleep, diet, and physical inactivity may contribute, particularly in midlife women.

3. Look out for signs of digestive health issues

Some changes in bowel habits can indicate underlying health issues. Look out for:

Changes in frequency/consistency: A sudden increase or decrease in bowel movements, feeling more constipated, having looser, runny stool or passing mucus may signal an underlying condition.
Persistent pain or discomfort: Ongoing cramps, bloating, or discomfort related to bowel movements could indicate digestive disorders.
Presence of blood: Blood in the stool should not be ignored and you should always seek advice from a medical professional. Whilst bleeding is seen commonly with conditions like haemorrhoids, it may sometimes be the first sign of a more serious condition. Bleeding may be fresh red in colour suggesting the source is lower down in the digestive tract, or darker and sometimes black (tar-like), which needs urgent medical attention.
Unexplained Weight Loss: If you experience unintentional weight loss alongside changes in bowel habits, this needs further medical investigation.
Persistent urgency: A continuous feeling of needing to pass a bowel movement, even after using the toilet, may indicate an issue such as IBS.

4. Take control of your gut health with at-home tests

If you're concerned about your bowel health or experiencing symptoms suggestive of gastrointestinal issues, don't hesitate to take action. Consider MyHealthChecked's Bowel Health Rapid Test for quick and convenient insights into your digestive wellbeing.

5. Schedule regular medical check-ups

While at-home tests are beneficial, they should complement, not replace, more detailed medical evaluations. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help detect potential issues early and provide personalised recommendations for maintaining bowel health. Regular screening is particularly important for individuals over 50 or those with a family history of colorectal conditions, as early detection can significantly improve health outcomes. In the UK, the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme offers free screening to individuals aged 60 to 74, with some areas starting from age 50. It’s important to take the test when it’s offered, as it can help detect bowel cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective. If you experience persistent symptoms or have any concerns, seeking medical advice without delay is essential.

The role of a balanced diet in gut health

A well-balanced diet plays a vital role in maintaining gut health and supporting digestion. Incorporating a variety of fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, helps promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. Fibre also supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which play a crucial role in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

Key dietary tips for gut health

Increase fibre intake: Aim for at least 20-35 grams of fibre daily to promote digestive regularity and prevent bloating or discomfort.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps soften stools and supports overall digestion.
Limit processed foods: Highly processed foods can disrupt gut bacteria balance and lead to digestive issues.
Include probiotics and prebiotics: Foods like yoghurt, kefir, garlic, and onions help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
Regular exercise: Physical activity aids digestion by stimulating the muscles of the intestines, reducing the risk of constipation.

Making these dietary and lifestyle choices can help maintain a healthy gut and reduce the likelihood of developing digestive issues.

At-home testing for gut health

MyHealthChecked's Bowel Health Rapid Test is a quick and reliable at-home solution to screen for non-visible blood in your stool, which can be an early indicator of gastrointestinal issues. This simple stool sample lateral flow test provides results in just five minutes. Designed by healthcare professionals, it empowers individuals to take proactive steps in monitoring their digestive health.

In summary

Proactive monitoring of your bowel health is essential for early detection and prevention of potential issues. By observing your bowel movements, being attentive to digestive symptoms, maintaining a balanced diet, utilising at-home tests, and scheduling regular medical check-ups, you can take charge of your digestive well-being. Remember, early detection is key, and combining these practices can lead to better health outcomes.

Reviewed by Dr Dave Nichols

References

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2. Blake MR, Raker JM, Whelan K. Validity and reliability of the Bristol Stool Form Scale in healthy adults and patients with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2016;44(7):693-703. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4760857/

3. UpToDate. Patient education: Irritable bowel syndrome (Beyond the Basics). 2023. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/irritable-bowel-syndrome-beyond-the-basics

4. UpToDate. Patient education: Diarrhoea in teens and adults (The Basics). 2023. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diarrhea-in-teens-and-adults-the-basics/print

5. Royal College of General Practitioners. Engaging Primary Care in Bowel Screening. 2018. Available from: https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/pluginfile.php/174183/mod_book/chapter/503/Scotland%20GP%20Good%20Practice%20Guide%20-%20bowel%20screening.pdf

6. British Society of Gastroenterology. Consensus guidelines on the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in adults. 2019. Available from: https://www.bsg.org.uk/clinical-resource/bsg-consensus-ibd-guidelines

7. NHS. Bowel cancer screening overview. NHS. 2023 Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/