The term lazy bowel refers to slowing down the digestive process, and this occurs as a symptom of some disorders related to the digestive system, and in this article we will talk about the causes, symptoms and how to treat lazy bowel.

Symptoms of lazy bowel

There are a number of symptoms that may accompany laziness in the intestines and slow digestion, which are:

• Rarely feeling the urge to defecate.
• Defecate less than usual.
• stomach pain and bloating;
• nausea;

Causes of lazy bowel

Lazy bowel or slow digestion occurs as a result of irregular bowel movement, which doctors call slow-passing constipation, and the following will explain the causes of lazy bowel or slow digestion:

1. Use of laxatives

Some people rely on the use of laxatives with prolonged constipation to help defecation, resulting in difficulty in defecation if the laxative is not used.

2. Medicines

The use of certain types of medications, such as opioid analgesics, slows digestion and causes constipation.

3. Excessive fiber intake

Eating fiber helps relieve constipation, but excessive fiber intake without eating the right amount of water worsens slow-transit constipation, and eating fiber increases stool, which is not suitable for slow-transit constipation patients, who suffer from lack of The ability to defecate effectively and regularly.

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome patients suffer from a high rate of sensitivity in the intestine, and this disease causes several problems related to the digestive system, such as constipation, diarrhea and gas.

5. Thyroid disorder

People with hypothyroidism sometimes suffer from chronic constipation and slowed digestion.

6. Nerve damage

Damage to various nerves in the digestive system may slow digestion, causing symptoms of slow-passing constipation. Neurological injuries, such as spinal injury or brain injuries, slow digestion.

7. Other reasons

Constipation may occur for many reasons other than slow digestion, including usually delayed defecation, hemorrhoids, weak muscles in the anal area and pelvic floor, or some nutritional disorders such as loss of appetite and bulimia.

lazy bowel treatment

Treatment depends on the doctor’s diagnosis of the cause of lazy bowel and slow digestion. The following are examples of how to treat this problem:

1. Change the diet

A lack of fiber intake can be a cause of intestinal lethargy and slow digestion, but as we mentioned, excessive fiber intake may lead to a worsening of slow-transit constipation, and in this case, it is most appropriate to consult a nutritionist about the allowed amount of fiber.

Among the changes that can be made within the diet, make sure to drink enough water, reduce the intake of dairy products that slow down the digestion process, avoid eating processed foods and frozen ready meals that contain a low percentage of fiber, and reduce the consumption of coffee.

2. Reducing the use of laxatives

It is necessary to reduce dependence on the use of laxatives, and consult a specialist doctor about other alternatives, and it is possible to use some natural laxatives, such as taking 3 to 4 cups of green tea per day, or using chia seeds, castor oil and green leaves, and in all cases even when using laxatives. Naturals should not be completely relied upon.

3. Use of enemas

The use of enemas helps to move the intestines, but it is important to consult a specialist about the effect of using these injections in the long term.

4. Exercising

Doing some exercise helps in the flow of blood to the stomach, which helps to stimulate bowel movement.

5. Surgery

Surgery to install a colostomy bag is rarely used, and this option is used in the case of chronic constipation or fecal incontinence, which occurs as a result of a neurological disorder.

When should a doctor be consulted?

In the case of recurring constipation, even with some changes in the diet and not delaying defecation, it is necessary to consult a doctor when the following symptoms appear:

• The presence of blood in the stool.
• Pain when defecating.
• Diarrhea accompanied by fever, vomiting, dizziness and tremors.
• Constipation or diarrhea for more than two weeks.